Acute epileptic electricity supply in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State: Its causes and remediation

Abstract

Epileptic electric power supply had become a common factor in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. This study looks at the immediate causes of the prolong power failure in the area, in order to proffer solutions to them. Field work and questionnaires were used to obtain data for this study. During the field work, the main 33 KVA Isoko-Kwale transmission line was thoroughly inspected to ascertain its current state. In addition, the primary (11 KVA) and secondary (415 V) distribution lines, the transformer and feeder pillars were also inspected. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed to three categories of people (electricians, civil servants and traders), to ascertain the remote causes of epileptic power supply in the region. Results obtained from the field work revealed that some of the electrical materials used in the 33 kVA transmission line were in bad shape. There were instances of missing cross arms from the utility poles, and the insulators were fixed directly to the poles. It was also observed that some cross arms were freely handing at the side of the utility poles. Considering the primary and secondary distribution lines, most of them were in bad shape. Slanting utility poles and cables overgrown with tree branches were regular occurrences. In terms of the feeder pillars, some of them were not functioning. The operational feeder pillars showed signs of overloading and burnt cables. The analysis of the questionnaires feedback with chi-square and graphical methods, revealed that: the poor state of electrical materials, and the negligence of the people of the region in adhering to the electrical rules were highly responsible for the poor electrical supply in the area. Results obtained from the study had revealed that the best remedies to the persistent power failure in the area is the total overhauling of the distribution lines patterns and the transformers. In addition, the people should adhere to the Nigeria electrical safety practices by switching off unnecessary appliances. This will help to conserve electrical energy, and minimized overloading of the 33 KVA transmission line.