The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the current power supply shortage to persistent serious gas constraints hindering optimum operations of most of the nation’s thermal generating stations.
TCN explained that the low gas supply to many power plants few weeks ago had persisted till date and has restrained optimal generation into the grid and consequently the quantum of electricity transmitted to distribution load centers.
According to a statement by the General Manager (Public Affairs), Mrs Ndidi Mbah, “The thermal power plants most affected by gas supply constraint include; Geregu Gas station now generating 0MW against 435MW, Geregu NIPP generating 81MW with a shortfall of 354MW, Sapele NIPP now generating 0MW against 230MW, Olorunsogo NIPP generating 0MW against 112MW and Olorunsogo Gas plant generating 70.5MW with a shortfall of 195.5MW while Gbarian plant is generating 0MW against 112 MW.
“Also affected by the gas supply constraint are: Omotosho NIPP generating 110MW with a shortfall of 220MW, Egbin generating 596MW with a short fall of 264MW, Delta II-IV gas generating 306.81MW with a shortfall of 128.19MW and Okpai Gas plant generating 159MW with a shortfall of 291MW.
“In addition, Rivers IPP, AFAM IV-V and Paras Energy are also generating with a shortfall of 40MW, 60MW and 30.2MW respectively. AFAM VI does not have gas supply problem but one of its units is out on fault.”
She explained that presently, Azura and Odukpani power plants were the only two thermal power generating stations generating at full capacity into the nations grid.
“With the current situation therefore, the distribution companies that have the capacity to pick more load are unable to, as TCN strives to distribute what is generated into the grid equitably among DisCos nationwide.”
She recall that TCN had earlier issued a press release on March 7, 2020, in which it stated that low gas supply was significantly affecting the quantum of power generated into the grid.
TCN lamented that the poor gas supply challenge has not abated but is rather getting worse, even after the maintenance of the gas pipelines.
TCN canvassed for urgent need to address the issue of gas shortage to thermal generating power plants nationwide to avert serious system disturbance.
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