As Nigerians grapple with low power supply, the Lagos State Government is planning to drive a large-scale migration of residents from dependence on grid electricity to solar-powered home systems, positioning renewable energy as a sustainable alternative for households and small businesses.
The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the initiative would enable residents to gradually move away from unreliable public power supply by adopting solar devices financed in a way similar to their existing electricity bills.
Speaking at the inauguration of a solar project for Radio Lagos and Eko FM in Ikeja on Tuesday, Ogunleye said residents would pay amounts similar to what they currently pay to their respective electricity distribution companies as subscriptions to own solar home systems.
He disclosed that about 100,000 units would be deployed to homes in the first tranche of the solarisation initiative, which is still being considered by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government.Ogunleye explained that the proposed migration would not be abrupt but would be implemented through the phased deployment of solar home systems to residents, starting with the initial rollout of 100,000 units. This indicates that subscribers may eventually move away from the grid to adopt solar solutions, especially in areas with poor power supply. He urged Lagosians to be on the lookout for the announcement of the project so they can subscribe. “Just calculate how much your electricity bill is, buy a solar device of that equivalent, and use it in your own house. Just be looking out. The first tranche is 100,000 units. So, get ready. Once we make the announcement, make your subscription,” he stated. He noted that the model would allow users to own their solar systems over time while paying amounts comparable to their current electricity bills. “What are we saying? The same amount you pay for electricity bills is what you will be paying, but you will have a device that is going to be your own. So, when it is your own, you can expand it later. And you will be able to take care of homes and medium- and small-scale businesses,” Ogunleye said.