Electricity supply down by 2,000mw, says FG on may 26, 2015

…appeals for calm

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA—The Federal Government said yesterday that the
nation has recorded a loss of over 2,000 mega watts in the
national grid due to shortage of gas supply to the thermal
plants.
The government in a statement signed by the Chairman of
the National electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr.
Sam Amadi explained that only five out of 23 power plants
are currently generating electricity.
Dr. Amadi said that the Commission noticed with concern
the acute shortage of power supply and the attendant
hardship Nigerians are passing through.
He said “In the last couple of months, electricity supply has
been generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in
the run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply
condition has worsened in the last few days.”
According to him: “At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants
in the country are unable to generate electricity due
shortage of gas supply to the thermal plants with one of the
hydro stations faced with water management issue. This
has led to loss of over 2,000mega watts in the national grid.
“This situation is further compounded by the recent
industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and
gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other
sectors of the economy. Gas supplies to the thermal plants
have been further constrained by the industrial actions of
workers in the oil and gas industry.
“The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply
companies and its licensees when two weeks ago

discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order

to increase power supply.
“Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this
meeting as NNPC and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company,
disclosed high incidence of vandalism in some areas that
were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks.
“That meeting was told of the damage done to Trans-
Forcados pipeline in the western axis and elps gas pipeline
in the eastern axis. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
had explained at the meeting that repair works are being
intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the
pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained.
“In essence, what has brought about this development is the
increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the
control of the regulator and the industry operators. This
situation is further compounded by the industry actions
declared by the oil and gas workres.
“However, we have continued to engage with relevant
authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas
supply to the thermal plants. We are also engaging with the
industry operators on how to improve electricity supply.
“The Commission regrets the hardships which Nigerians are
being subjected to on account of this development as we
intensify efforts to bring the situation under control in the
shortest possible time.”