An Investigation of Electricity Power Fluctuations and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Dekina, Kogi State

Abstract

SME owners face the problem of unreliable power supply in their routine business operations in Dekina Local government of Kogi State. Capacity installed is not utilized and this affects their performances and economic contribution. This study investigates the influence of unreliable power supply on economic contribution and performance of SMEs in Dekina Local government of Kogi State. The study adopted a survey research design. Finding shows that unreliable electricity power supply has caused increased operation cost and untimely death for SMEs in Dekina Local government of Kogi State. Furthermore, finding shows that significant differences exist between SMEs that utilized installed capacity and those that do not utilized installed capacity in terms of operation cost, productivity, competitive edge, market share, contribution to poverty and unemployment reduction. It was concluded that SMEs that utilized installed capacity witness reduced operation cost, increased productivity, higher competitive edge, larger market share, a greater contribution to poverty and unemployment reduction. The study, therefore, recommends that the government and other economic stakeholders should device alternative reliable power supply to facilitate the economic contribution and performance of SMEs in Dekina Local government of Kogi State.