Power supply worsens as generation drops to 3,134MW

• TCN blames gas shortage

• 30mw coming from Kashimbilla

• Enugu community stalls multi-billion naira power project

The poor electricity situation nationwide has worsened with the decline of power supply to the national grid.

Many communities across the length and breadth of the country have since last month been experiencing low energy supply and in some instances, outright blackouts.

Yesterday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the low power supply to the national grid.

Many communities across the length and breadth of the country have since last month been experiencing low energy supply and in some instances, outright blackouts.

Yesterday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the low power supply to the national grid.

It announced the cut in load allocation to the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

It has been reduced to 3,134 megawatts (MW) from the meagre 3,814.68mw generated.

According to the Independent System Operator (ISO) of the TCN, the decline was due to gas constraints.

The transmission company noted that allocation to the DisCos, which stood at 3,944mw on Tuesday, rose marginally on Wednesday to 4,004mw before it dropped to 3,134mw yesterday.

TCN General Manager (Public Affairs), Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement that the company was working in partnership with stakeholders to keep the grid intact despite the current low power generated into the system.

“We also wish to apologise for the delay in meeting the earlier publicised timeline for maintenance of the Sapele Transmission Substation and Ihovbor Transmission Substation. This delay is due to prevailing technical factors.

“However, we want to assure you that the work on both substations is progressing well. We anticipate completing the maintenance process and restoring full capacity soon.”

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on its official X handle apologised to its customers.

“Kindly be informed that the present reduction in power supply across our network is due to gas shortages and other related issues arising from the generating companies.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused even as we

work with our partners for speedy resolution. Kindly bear with us,” the EKEDC wrote.

Head of Media Relations, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBDEC), said the situation has hampered supply to its esteemed customers across its network.

IBDEC said in a statement: “ Dear Esteemed Customer, kindly be informed that the drop in electricity supply currently being experienced is a result of the load allocation constraints across our franchise from the national grid.

“We are working with stakeholders in the electricity value chain on a sustainable resolution. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appeal for your understanding.”

Minister: boost for national grid coming

Meanwhile, while Nigeria struggles with generation capacity, South Africa and Egypt lead on the continent as the countries with the highest electricity generation capacity. In South Africa, domestic power generation currently stands at 58,095 megawatts (MW) from all sources, according to figures from the country’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy.

Of this figure, coal-fired electricity remains by far the major energy source for the country, accounting for about 80 per cent of the country’s energy mix.

Others like Hydro contribute 3,485 MW; thermal, 48,380 MW; wind, 2,323 MW; solar, 2,323 MW, and other sources contribute 580 MW.

In Egypt, the total amount of installed electricity generation capacity as of September 2023, stood at 58,818 megawatts.

But Nigeria’s national grid may soon get a boost with the addition of 30 megawatts from the Kashimbilla hydropower plant.

The addition is expected to facilitate the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Taraba and Benue states.

Surrounding communities in Taraba, especially those displaced by the Dam construction, are already benefitting from the 10 megawatts currently being distributed directly from the 40 megawatts capacity plant.

Speaking during the inspection of the plant and the 56 km, 132KV transmission line from Yandev to Makurdi in Benue, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the Kashimbilla plant with its state-of-the-art technology was working effectively.

Adelabu, who also visited the 132/33KV substation in Amua, Gboko Local government area of Benue, said the four turbines installed in the Kashimbilla power plant were working well and generating 100 per cent of the installed capacity.

The power plant has an installed capacity of 40 megawatts but only 10 megawatts are currently being evacuated.

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