The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has pledged support for Gombe State’s plan to close its 170 megawatts electricity gap as the state pushes to become a commercial and industrial hub in the North East.

A delegation from the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission visited NISO headquarters in Abuja to discuss the state’s power expansion plan.

According to the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Usman Abba Arabi, Gombe currently draws only 30MW from the national grid against an estimated requirement of 200MW.
“The supply gap of 170 mega watts is threatening to undercut the state’s ambition as a commercial and industrial hub in the North East,” Dr Arabi said.

To close the deficit, Dr Arabi revealed that 30 mini-grids are currently being developed across the state as part of Gombe’s power expansion plan.

He said achieving this will require collaboration with NISO to ensure stability and integration with the national grid.

The Managing Director of NISO, Abdu Bello Mohammed, identified Gombe’s new industrial park and coal reserves as key reasons to scale up electricity supply to the state.

He pledged that NISO would support efforts to develop a workable business model for expanded access and ensure the state gets the power it needs for growth.