Power Outage Deepens as Generation Relapses to 3,000MW

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Power generation in the country has dropped by about 700 megawatts, deepening the incessant power outages suffered by the nation after the Federal Government failed to meet its self-imposed target of 6,000 megawatts by end of December 2009.

A few weeks back power generation was 3, 700 megawatts. According to a source, the drop is as a result of shortage in gas supply.

Presently, Sapele and Delta power plants are shut down, while Egbin can only generate 600 megawatts. At Omotosho power plant, only one unit is working while Olorunsogo power plant is down. The drop in Egbin power plant capacity is as a result of the blow out at Utorogun gas plant which affected gas supply to it.The generation level at some of the power stations indicates that a few of them are generating fairly well.

According to a source, this should have guaranteed minimum stability in power supply in the country. Egbin power plant generates 600 megawatts; but Jebba generates 400 megawatts; Shiroro, 300 megawatts; Delta, 105 megawatts, and Afam, 443 megawatts.

According to John Ayodele, executive director, operations, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), everything is being done to ensure that the organisation increases its generation capacity.

Meanwhile, electricity consumers who need pre-paid metres from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) may still wait for a long time as some of the distribution companies say it is not profitable to them. Some of the PHCN zones are said to be hoarding the pre-paid metres or deliberately causing problem for suppliers with the aim of leaving customers on estimated bills through which more money is raked for the organisation.

Source: Power outage deepens as generation relapses to 3,000 megawatts

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