Hope Rises for Better Power Supply as Generation Rebounds to 3,876 MW

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Hope rose for improved power supply in the country Tuesday as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said electricity generation and supply have rebounded to 3, 876.9MW after losing 1,087.6 MW to poor gas supply to six of the nation’s thermal stations last Sunday.

The TCN had reported the huge generation loss, which brought generation down to 2,909 MW and threatened to throw the nation into darkness, alluding rupture to the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) pipeline transporting gas to the thermal stations as the cause of the disruption.

The challenge led to the shutdown of Ihovbor, Azura, Omotosho, Geregu, Olorunsogo, and Sapele power plants.

But TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, stated in a statement to THISDAY in Abuja Tuesday that gas supply to the Gencos was gradually building up, adding that within a day or two, electricity generation and supply would be restored to normalcy.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that there is significant improvement in gas supply to power generating plants. NNPC has restored the ruptured pipeline and gas is gradually building up in most generating stations and in a day or two days it is expected that gas and power supply would be back to normal,” said Mbah.

She further stated: “An indication that gas supply has improved is the increase in power generation into the national grid. As reported by the NCC (National Control Centre), supply has risen to 3,876.9MW as at 17.00hrs on Monday, June 18, 2018.”

While commending stakeholders in the power sector for what she said was a quick response to the drop in power generation and supply, Mbah noted that as soon as the gas build-up was completed, all the affected generating stations will resume normal generation into the grid.

“TCN wishes to use this opportunity to commend NNPC, especially NGC (Nigerian Gas Company) for the quick intervention and also appreciates the Ministry of Power, Gencos, Discos and electricity customers for their cooperation during the crises period,” Mbah, stated.

According to her, the TCN would through the implementation of its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP), build new substations as well as upgrade existing ones and transmission lines all over the country.

She said: “This is expected to further stabilise the grid and also put necessary flexibility and redundancy in line with N-1 capacity. TCN will continue to count on all Nigerians for support and understanding as it continues to expand the nation’s grid.”