Analysis of power outages and their economic impact: A comparative study of Nigerian distribution companies

Reliable electricity supply is crucial for economic development, yet Nigeria continues to grapple with frequent power outages. This study analyzes power outage data from Nigerian electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to quantify the frequency, duration, and economic impact of outages across different regions. Utilizing outage records and customer complaint data from six DisCos over a 36-month period (2020-2022), we employ statistical analysis and economic modeling to assess the relationship between outage patterns and economic indicators. Results reveal significant disparities in outage frequency and duration among DisCos, with a strong correlation between outage metrics and regional economic productivity. The study estimates that power outages result in an average annual economic loss of 5.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across the studied regions. Furthermore, we identify key factors contributing to outages, including infrastructure age, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and utility managers to prioritize investments and interventions aimed at improving power reliability and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.