Wastage amidst shortage: Strategies for the mitigation of standby electricity in residential sector in Nigeria

Abstract

Due to rising population and the increasing rate of urbanization, residential electricity usage accounts for a large chunk of Nigeria’s electricity consumption. However, little attention is paid to electricity conservation in the country. In response to this, several studies are been tailored to ensure a rapid reduction in energy consumption through various alternatives including energy efficient technologies given the current state of inadequate electricity supply in the country. On this note, this article discusses the significance of standby electricity in Nigeria. The electricity generation and consumption patterns were briefly discussed while the current electricity saving behaviour and practices among the urban dwellers were detailed with a case study analysed. Based on the case study, it was discovered that the mean standby load across the 30 households were estimated at 60 W ranging from 34-144 W. Also, standby consumption accounts for 13-44% of the annual electricity consumption across the households. Finally, the strategies for electricity saving and sustainable consumption, most especially the mitigation of standby electricity were highlighted.

Electricity Use Behaviour in a High-Income Neighbourhood in Johannesburg, South Africa

“…Daily use habits, for example, not switching off lights when not needed, putting hot foods and uncovered liquids in the refrigerator, not cleaning vacuum cleaners and degreasing microwaves regularly and not switching off appliances completely when not needed might result in unconscious electricity wastage through unnecessary consumption, inefficiencies and standby power loss. For example, evidence suggests that generally, people do not completely switch-off electronics such as desktop computers, laptops, televisions, musical instruments, microwave ovens, computer speakers and set-top boxes (satellite decoders), or unplug chargers when not in use [16,25], which can result in varying levels of hidden electricity losses [26][27][28].…”

“…The hidden electricity loss from appliances on standby mode can vary due to contextual realities [27], ranging from as low as 4% in Turkey [26] to as high as 44% in Nigeria [28] of total household electricity use. In a study of South African households at the national level, [5] found that users did not understand the energy consumption of their electric water heaters.…”

Reported Behavioural Patterns of Electricity Use among Low-Income Households in Makhanda, South Africa

“…This is partly due to forgetfulness, lack of awareness, laziness, unwillingness to compromise convenience, and the need for personal comfort [34]. However, leaving appliances on standby mode results in "vampire losses" because appliances consume electricity when they are not in use [35,36]. The literature suggests that standby electricity consumption can account for a significant proportion of household electricity consumption ranging from as low as 4% [37] to as high as 40% [36].…”