Technology approach to electrical energy management in small and medium enterprises in Niger State

Abstract

The study investigated technology approach to electrical energy management in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted cross sectional survey research design. The target population of the study was made up of 574 technical staff of SMEs (Hotels/Guest Houses, Private Hospital and Wood Industries). 365 private health centres/hospitals, 138 hotels/guest houses, and 71 woodwork industries registered in Niger State connected to the distribution network in 25 Local Governments of Niger State. The sample for the study consisted of 288 registered SMEs drawn through Multistage Sampling Techniques. Two research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 19) was used for data analysis. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions, while z-test was used to test hypothesis. The finding of the study shows that, SMEs in Niger State uses electrical energy efficient washing machines and split air conditioning. However, they used fluorescent lamp with electronic ballast, dimmer switches and occupancy sensors at a medium extent, while, occupancy sensors to cut off air- conditioner in unoccupied room and Automatic day light dimming were used at low extent. Electrical equipment/appliances maintenance practices that were rarely adopted are; regular checking of power factor and correction of power factor. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made: Technical staff of SMEs should cultivate positive maintenance culture towards electrical equipment, appliances and devices and SMEs owners should invest more on efficient technology devices in other to reduce the rate of electrical energy usage in SMEs.