TCN Raises Concern Over Gas Supply Constraints As Power Generation Loses 3,895 MW Daily

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised alarm over gas supply constraints leading to loss of power generation by the thermal power plants nationwide.

Statistics obtained by OPTIMUM TIMES showed that on Friday, 6th March, 2020, 3,895 MW was not generated due to unavailability of gas.

This is even as 372.5 MW was also not generated due to unavailability of transmission infrastructure, while 224.4 MW was not generated due to high frequency resulting from unavailability of distribution infrastructure.

The power sector lost an estimated N2,156,000,000 on March 06 2020
due to constraints from insufficient gas supply, distribution infrastructure and transmission infrastructure.

However, TCN said that the nation’s power sector is experiencing power supply shortage caused by low gas supply which has restrained the ability of many thermal power stations to generate optimally.

In a statement by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, she cited that the thermal power plants affected by gas supply constraint include; Sapele NIPP, Olorunsogo NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP and Azura Edo power plants which generated zero Megawatts yesterday (Friday 6th March, 2020).

She disclosed that other thermal power plants equally affected but generated at lower capacities include Egbin (Steam), Sapele (Steam), Delta (gas), Geregu (gas), Omotosho(gas), Olorusogo (gas), Geregu NIPP, Alaoji NIPP, Omotosho NIPP, Odukpani NIPP, Okpai (Gas/Steam) and Omoku (gas) power generating plants.

He said: “As a result of the prevailing gas constraints, there has been significant reduction in the quantum of power transmitted to the various distribution companies for onward supply to electricity consumers across Nigeria.

“TCN has however discussed with the management of some of the affected power plants and many of them attributed their challenges to gas pipeline and processing maintenance being carried out by their gas suppliers.

“According to the management of some of the affected power plants, the maintenance of gas facilities are expected to last for ten days. Therefore, it is expected that the gas supply challenges will ease before the end of next week.”