Energy

Energy

Energy as defined by the oxford English dictionary is the power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines. Energy exists in different forms one of which is electric energy which is the main form of energy used at the focus location of this research.

Electricity

One of the most dominate forms of energy is electric-energy and is the source of power for most machines, households, industries etc. “Electricity is most often generated at a power station by electromechanical generators, primarily driven by heat engines fuelled by chemical combustion or nuclear fission but also by other means such as the kinetic energy of flowing water and wind (Wikipedia).

Electrical Energy Consumption

Electrical energy consumption is the use of electric energy for such purposes as providing light in buildings other than day-lighting, ventilation through fans or air conditioners etc. Buildings are a necessity and require to be powered through an external source (e.g. the PHCN provides electric-energy for homes and other built environment to power them in Nigeria), although sometimes these are subjected to inactive blackouts or power failure from independent power supplier (PHCN).

Oyedepo (2012), also stated in his work titled; Efficient energy utilization as a tool for sustainable development in Nigeria, stated that there is inefficient utilization of energy in the major economic sectors of the country. He also stated that throughout the world, electricity is the most widely used and desirable form of energy.

It is a basic requirement for economic development and for adequate standard of living. Also Chigbue as cited by Oyedepo (2012) stated that electric power is a major component in the requirements for effective industrialization and development is grossly inadequate in Nigeria.

He went on to state that In Nigeria, a lot of energ(ies) is wasted because households, public and private offices, and industries use more energy than is actually necessary to fulfill their needs. One of the reasons is that they use old and inefficient equipment and production processes. The other reasons are unwholesome practices that lead to energy wastage.

These ‘’unwholesome practices’’ he went on to mention and they include,

• Dominant use of incandescent light bulbs
• Putting on light to advertise goods
• Setting appliances on standby mode
•  Switching on outdoor lighting during the day
•  Simultaneous use of multiple appliances in public buildings
•  Proliferation of private water boreholes
•  Industrial activities in residential areas
•  Leaving appliance on when not in use
•  Multiple use of inefficient heating equipment
•  Purchase of second-hand appliances

In conclusion he stated that the adoption of energy-efficiency measures in the major economic sectors in Nigeria will enhance profitability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development, and improve corporate social responsibility.