Illegal Connections, Others Lead to 174 Electricity Accident in 2024 – NERC

• NERC reports 174 power accidents in 2024, a 38% increase from 2023.
• Fatalities rise to 86, with 76 injuries in the first three quarters of 2024.
• NERC urges stricter safety measures and better compliance to prevent accidents.

Between January and September 2024, 174 electricity-related accidents were recorded across Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

EKO HOT BLOG reports thatThese incidents, which include illegal connections, wire snaps, and vandalism, represent a 38% increase compared to the 126 accidents reported during the same period in 2023, raising serious concerns about safety standards in the country’s power sector.

The 2024 quarterly reports indicate a troubling upward trend in accidents, with the second quarter witnessing the highest number of incidents. In the first quarter, 55 accidents were documented, which rose to 63 in the second quarter before dropping slightly to 56 in the third quarter.

Despite a slight reduction in the third quarter, the overall statistics highlight the urgent need for stricter safety measures and better regulatory enforcement across the industry.

The rise in accidents has also led to increased injuries and fatalities. NERC reported that 76 people were injured in the first three quarters of 2024, a slight increase from the 72 injuries recorded during the same period in 2023. Fatalities, however, saw a more alarming increase, rising from 79 in 2023 to 86 in 2024, marking an 8.9% rise.

The second quarter accounted for the highest number of fatalities in 2024, with 34 deaths, compared to 23 in the first quarter and 29 in the third quarter.

The number of injuries also fluctuated significantly, dropping from 31 in the first quarter to 17 in the second, only to rise again to 28 in the third quarter. This inconsistency underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent safety protocols across the sector.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

• Polaris Bank’s Initiatives Ensure Continuous Education for Over 16,000 Students
• Verydarkman Pranks Nigerians: No N180 Missing From NGO Funds
• Why I Faked Missing N180m — VeryDarkMan

NERC attributed these accidents, injuries, and fatalities to various factors, including illegal and unauthorized connections, unsafe electrical practices, wire snaps, vandalism, explosions, and electrocutions. Illegal connections and wire snaps were particularly noted as major contributors to the increase in incidents.

The Commission’s Q3 report emphasized the need for stricter safety standards and regulatory compliance. NERC pointed out that, according to Section 34(1)(e) of the EA 2023, it is responsible for ensuring safe and reliable electricity delivery to consumers and monitoring the health and safety performance of the electricity sector.

Old Electricity Tariff NERC

While 99 mandatory health and safety reports were expected from licensees in Q3, only 96 reports were received, indicating a need for greater compliance. NERC has vowed to enforce full reporting compliance and apply sanctions where necessary.

FURTHER READING

• Why We Must Increase Call, Data Tariffs In 2025 – Telecoms Operators
• 19 Year old Arraigned in Kaduna for Allegedly Stabbing Uncle
• Diversify or Face Poverty: Abbas Calls for Economic Shift

In its reports, NERC expressed concerns over the poor adherence to safety practices and urged electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to take immediate action to improve safety standards.

The Commission also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of unauthorized electrical connections and unsafe practices, along with the need for timely maintenance and repairs of electrical infrastructure to prevent accidents caused by equipment failure.

NERC reiterated its commitment to enforcing stricter safety regulations and called on DisCos to intensify efforts to address the root causes of accidents.

Furthermore, the Commission has been overseeing the settlement processes between licensees and the families of accident victims, ensuring transparency and helping victims’ families secure fair compensation for their losses. In Q3 2024, NERC successfully concluded three compensation negotiations between licensees and the families of accident victims.

Here is the video of the week