AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria have linked the poor supply being experienced to drop in power generation from 3,814.68MW to 3,134MW.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN confirmed the low electricity supply to the national grid, explaining that this is due to gas shortage.
TCN announced a cut in load allocation to the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) from 3,814.68MW to 3,134MW, with consumers complaining that in most scenarios they experience outright blackouts.
TCN explained that allocation to the DisCos, which stood at 3,944mw on Tuesday, rose marginally on Wednesday to 4,004mw but dropped to 3,134MW on Thursday.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, said in a statement that the company was working in partnership with stakeholders to keep the grid intact despite the current low electricity being generated.
“The TCN hereby announces that there has been a gradual decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints to the thermal generating companies.
“This has impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.
“TCN is doing everything possible in collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that it continues to keep the grid intact in spite of the current low power generated into the system.
“Consequent upon the current load on the grid, load distributed to the distribution load centres have also reduced, as TCN can only transmit what is generated.
“TCN is committed to ensuring a gradual increase in electricity supply to load centres as gas improves to power available thermal plants.
“Please, bear with us as we continue to work with the stakeholders in the value chain to ensure that supply through distribution companies to electricity consumers nationwide improves,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the current electricity hiccups is said to be beyond the DisCos as they continue to blame it all on limited supply from the national grid.
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC apologised to its customers on its official X handle, just as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC expressed regret that the prevailing situation hampered supply to its esteemed customers across its network.
EKEDC wrote, “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.”
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.”
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC said on its X handle that “We wish to inform you that the reduction in supply hours currently being experienced in our franchise states (Delta, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo States) is due to constraint beyond our control, specifically limitations in allocation from the national grid.
“The inconvenience is regret and we sincerely apologise for any disruption to your daily routines. Please, be assured that we are working diligently with all stakeholders to improve the situation and resume regular supply as soon as possible.
“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.”
Comments