Authors:S.O. Olaleye; S.O. Akinbode
Current Research Journal of Social Science 4(2): 121-127, 2012
Abstract
Epileptic public power supply and household questto obtain power from alternative sources has become a daily occurrence in Nigeria. Meanwhile, little is known about household expenditure and demand pattern for these alternative sources.
This study therefore assessed the demand for various sources of alternative power supply to households in Lagos state, Nigeria. Data were collected from a total of five hundred and ninety-one households who were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis and the Tobit regression model. The results showed that average household consisted of four people and realized a total monthly income of N153,122.78. They mostly rely on generators for power supply and spent about N6,854.43 on generator fuelling, maintenance and depreciation monthly. Expenditure on generator power supply increased with household income and the age of household head. Households living in duplex, mansions and flats also spent
more on generators than others. The study suggests among others that government policy aimed at privatizing the Power holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) should be encouraged in order to ensure that the people have assess to uninterrupted public power supply in the country.
Key words: Electricity, energy sources, expenditure, generators, income, regression