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Pipeline vandalism forces drop in power generation to 3,000MW

By on January 10, 2015

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Thursday disclosed that the maximum generated electricity available for it to transmit for distribution across the country has dropped to 3,000 megawatts (MW).

TCN said in a statement signed by its Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Dave Ifabiyi, in Abuja that the unexpected drop in power generation was occasioned by a recent act of vandalism on the nation’s key gas pipeline, the Trans-Forcados gas pipeline.

The development means that the country’s electricity generation which averaged about 4,500MW in recent times has dropped by almost 1,500MW.

It noted that the drop would necessitate regular supply rationing because gas supply to three key power generation companies,  Egbin, Olorunsogo, and Geregu had been affected by the act.

The vandals, Ifabiyi explained, struck at five different points on the about 50-kilometre pipeline and that repair works on it had commenced but would last for 10 days.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced the drop of available power generation to 3,000mw for it to wheel to the distribution companies.
The drop which has necessitated power supply rationing, is due to gas supply shortages in several power generating stations following reported acts of vandalism on the Trans- Forcados Gas Pipeline, which occurred on January 6,” Ifabiyi said in the statement.

He further stated that: “The vandals struck at five different points of the gas pipeline thereby shutting off gas supply to power stations in Delta, Olorunsogo as well as Geregu and Egbin.

“Repair works on the damaged portions have commenced but it could take 10 days for full restoration of normal services.”

TCN therefore appealed to the public to bear with it on the attendant power rationing and promised that efforts were being mobilised for early restoration of normal services.

It also called on vandals to desist from their nefarious activities which prevent the nation from achieving the much promised transformation in the power sector.

 

[ThisDay]