Electricity sector loses N1.564billion in one day

The Nigerian power sector lost about N1.564billion on January 27, due to gas, water, and transmission line constraints.

According to the Nigeria Electricity Statistics Industry (NESI), the sector generated 87,000 megawatts (MW), but lost 78,192mw same day, as it is unable to utilise the installed capacity due to many challenges.

For example, data from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, shows that Delta Gas Turbin (GT) 18 tripped on high air inlet differential pressure and was shut down.

Paras Energy GTs 2 to 9 was shut down due to planned outage on Ikorodu/Shagamu 132KV line, putting the total load loss at 68.6mw.

Omoku GTs 1 to 3 and 6 tipped on reverse power due to tripping of Alaoji/Afam132kV line, with a total load loss of 53.6mw.

Decrying the ordeal, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, said the power sector is plagued with structural issues in all key areas: generation, gas supply, transmission, and distribution.

To name a few of these challenges, he noted that the operational capacity of Nigeria’s power plants is less than a third of their installed capacity.

Osibanjo also said chronic vandalism has crippled oil and gas pipelines, creating gas shortages at power plants.

He added that underinvestment in maintenance, and infrastructure have constrained the transmission grid, just as high collection and commercial losses have impacted the financial viability of the privatised distribution companies.

“Although these fundamental challenges still exist since June, the power sector has recorded some operational improvements, mainly driven by increased availability of gas. In August, Nigeria hit historical highs for both peak generation (4,811MW peak generation on August 25), and total energy generated across the system (4,213MWh/h energy generated on August 5). Transmission losses fell by 10 per cent (June to August 15th 2015) compared to the first four months of the year,” he added.

Osibanjo therefor renewed government’s commitment to electricity supply.