Daily Power Outage in Lagos and Ogun: How to Plan Your Electricity Usage During Power Cuts

Businesses and residents across parts of Lagos and Ogun State are bracing for a significant disruption to their daily routines. Ikeja Electric has announced a 25-day planned outage, effective from Monday, July 28, to Thursday, August 21, 2025, daily between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

This extensive blackout, necessary for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to carry out maintenance on the Omotosho–Ikeja West 330 kV transmission line, means many will face a daily 9-hour period without grid electricity.

While the inconvenience is undeniable, effective planning can significantly mitigate the impact on your business and daily life.

Here’s how to strategically manage your electricity usage during this period and even consider a long-term solution.

1. Conduct an Energy Audit

Before the cuts begin, take stock of your energy usage during the affected hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

• Identify Critical Appliances: Which appliances must run during these 9 hours? (e.g., medical refrigerators in a pharmacy, point-of-sale systems, essential lighting, security cameras).
• Prioritize Usage: Can some tasks be shifted outside the blackout window? Can non-essential appliances be turned off entirely?
• Estimate Consumption: If you have a generator, note down how much fuel you currently consume daily or weekly. This helps you anticipate increased costs.

2. Optimize Your Daily Operations

Adjusting your routine can make a big difference. How can you adjust your business routine to save energy?

• Shift Energy-Intensive Tasks: If possible, schedule activities requiring heavy electricity consumption (like running washing machines, large printers, or heavy machinery) for early mornings, evenings, or weekends when grid power might be available.
• Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation: Open windows, doors, and curtains to allow natural light and air circulation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning during the day.
• Pre-cool/Pre-charge: If you have a deep freezer or an inverter, pre-cool your space or fully charge your devices before 8 AM.

3. Leverage Alternative Power Sources Wisely

For many, generators will become the primary source of power during these hours. What are good alternative sources of power?

• Generator Maintenance: Ensure your generator is in top working condition. Service it beforehand to avoid breakdowns during the critical period.
• Fuel Management: Stock up on fuel (diesel/petrol), but store it safely. Consider your increased daily consumption and budget accordingly. Remember, relying solely on generators will significantly inflate your operational costs.
• Inverter & Battery Systems: If you already have an inverter, ensure your batteries are fully charged and healthy. Reduce non-essential loads to extend battery life.

4. Communicate with Staff and Customers

Transparency is key to managing expectations.

• Inform Employees: Let your staff know about the planned outage and any changes to work schedules or energy-saving protocols. Encourage their cooperation in conserving power.
• Notify Customers: If your business operations will be affected, inform your customers in advance. This could be via social media, in-store notices, or direct messages. For example, a restaurant might announce limited menus during certain hours, or a salon might advise booking appointments outside the blackout period.

5. Consider a Transition to Solar for Long-Term Cost Savings

How can you switch your business to solar? While this 25-day outage is temporary, it serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria's persistent power challenges. For businesses in Lagos and Ogun, and indeed across the country, this period highlights the urgent need for a more sustainable and reliable power solution.

This is where solar energy offers a powerful alternative. Investing in a solar system for your business, will ensure you:

• Eliminate Dependence on the Grid: Operate seamlessly during scheduled outages like this one, and unpredictable cuts.
• Slash Operational Costs: Significantly reduce or even eliminate your reliance on expensive diesel generators. Imagine what your business could do with millions of Naira saved annually that were previously spent on fuel!
• Reinvest in Growth: Funds saved on energy bills can be redirected towards crucial business areas like inventory restocking, staff training, marketing, or expansion.
• Future-Proof Your Business: Solar offers energy independence, protecting your business from rising energy tariffs and future grid instabilities.

Earthbond specializes in providing tailored solar financing solutions to businesses looking to make this crucial transition. We offer a range of loan repayment plans, including 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, making solar adoption affordable and accessible.

You can assess your energy consumption for free, and we will recommend the ideal solar bundle for your specific needs, whether you run a pharmacy, a supermarket, a hotel, or any other business.

Final Thoughts

The present 25-day blackout is more than just an inconvenience; it's a wake-up call.

Use this period to implement immediate conservation strategies and, more importantly, to seriously evaluate how solar power can provide the lasting stability and savings your business deserves. Don't just survive the blackout; use it as a catalyst for a brighter, more sustainable future.