By Obas Esiedesa
Several power generation plants are completely idle due to non-supply of gas to the stations, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said.
The TCN in a statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah listed the affected thermal power plants as Sapele NIPP, Olorunsogo NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP and Azura Edo power plants which generated zero Megawatts yesterday.
Other thermal power plants equally affected but generated at lower capacities were 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.
TCN said gas shortages at the plants have restrained the ability of the thermal power stations to generate optimally.
TCN disclosed that 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 Mrs. Mbah, 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.
