GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SET (EPGS) USAGE IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

This study examines both economic and environmental effects of Electric Power Generating Sets, using Ilorin West Local Government Area as a case study. This study employed the use of questionnaire in investigating the problem; a total of six hundred questionnaires were distributed equally among the twenty traditional wards of Ilorin West Local Government Area, using a simple random sampling statistical technique, six hundred questionnaires were sent out, but only four hundred and fifty three questionnaires were returned and analysed using simple descriptive statistical techniques. The study revealed that majority of the sampled population spends huge amount of money on fueling and maintenance of EPGS. It also revealed that the emissions from the EPGS contributed to global warming and consequential effects. In the light of these findings, the study among other things, recommended that the government should increase power generation, and in order to reduce the dangerous emissions from the EPGS, hydrocarbon EPGS should be replaced with hybrid photovoltaic solar system. Above all, the study recommended negawatt investment alternatives to reduce peak electrical load by time shifting demand. In this way, the existing hydropower generation will be adequate for the country.