Consumers at the Center of Nigeria’s Transition to Distributed Energy

In September, we joined the discussions at the Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on Advancing Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Nigeria’s Electricity Market, hosted by Energy Market and Rates Consultants Limited (EMRC Nigeria) with support from the African Climate Foundation and Beckaphyll, in a workshop that convened regulators, energy experts, and market stakeholders to discuss how consumer participation, market regulation, and policy alignment can accelerate the deployment of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Alongside co-panelists, Chijioke Okwuokenye (Managing Director/CEO, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc) and Fauzia Chevonne Okediji (Utility Innovation Specialist, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet), Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor spotlighted a simple but powerful truth: the success of energy innovations like VPPs and DERs depends not just on financing and technology, but on consumer trust, transparency, and inclusiveness. 

She emphasized that while VPPs have the potential to optimize Nigeria’s energy system, they must be designed with consumers in mind, ensuring affordability, reliability, and clarity. Without this, the promise of energy transition risks leaving everyday Nigerians behind.

For Nigeria’s energy transition to truly deliver impact, consumers cannot be left on the sidelines. They must be informed, engaged, and prioritized.

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) bring together multiple small-scale energy resources, like solar panels, batteries, and generators, into one network that can act like a traditional power plant. For Nigeria, where millions still lack reliable electricity, VPPs represent an opportunity to expand access, improve grid stability, and accelerate the shift to clean energy. But none of this is possible without informed and empowered consumers. At Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), we run a practical Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Platform designed to demystify energy choices for consumers, because when consumers understand their options, they can make informed decisions.

The platform features:

• A solar calculator that helps households and small businesses estimate their energy needs.
• Step-by-step consumer guidance on renewable energy options.
• Connections to verified installers, ensuring safe and trusted solutions.

 Explore the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Platform today: der.cadefng.org