Power generation suffers setback on gas, water limitations

NNPC to complete gas-to-power projects
The recent sharp drop in electricity generation has been linked to poor gas supply, water limitations and transmission line constraints, trimming generation to about 3,558 Mega Watts (MW).

Indeed, the incessant outages have triggered concerns from electricity consumers who have continued to groan under double impact (tariff and supply) from the sector.

This is coming as the government agencies in charge of power sector churned out various figures in terms of quantity of power generated in the country.

Data from the Federal Ministry of Power showed that the nation generated 3,558 Mega Watts (MW) as at February 14th, 2016, while the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) posted a figure of 4203MW for the same date.

NERC’s weekly energy watch showed that gas limitation is having major impact on generation with about 2,074MW constrained.

According to the breakdown, gas constraints accounted for 1885MW, while water management affected 12 MW and line limitations caused 177MW setback.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), at the last power stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, identified 51 issues to be resolved in respect of areas like Alaoji, Sokoto, Ahoada, Damaturu, Gbarain, Calabar, Afikpo, Nsukka, Okigwe, Ihiala, Ayede, Ikeja, Ajah, Lekki, Kebbi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Makurdi, Kainji, Kafanchan, Otukpo, Hadejia, Wudil, Kumbotso, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Daura, Abuja and Maiduguri.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola had directed all major stakeholders to concentrate on power delivery, even as distribution companies agreed to improve customer service delivery by strengthening the operations of their customer centres and providing dedicated phone numbers to ensure consumer complaints within their jurisdictions are promptly responded to.

The oil and gas industry was also fully represented by senior executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Gas Aggregating Company of Nigeria (GACN) and the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), with the aim of intensifying efforts to resolve bottlenecks associated with gas supply to the power sector.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also estimated that the sector expects an additional 220 million standard cubic feet per day (mmsfcd) by the end of first quarter of 2016, and 785 mmsfcd by the end of second quarter of 2016 cumulative.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has expressed determination to complete the ongoing gas projects aimed at linking gas-to-power and gas-to-industries to boost the national economy.