Hydro plants boost electricity generation to 3,686.3mw

• Gas-constrained power stands at 4,517mw
• Nigeria records total system collapse

Nigeria has managed to attain electricity generation and supply of 3,686.3MW after several months of blackout occasioned by cut in gas supply to power plants.

The Guardian gathered that the improvement in power supply is as a result of high water level at dams, which enabled the three hydro power plants namely, Jebba (360mw), Shiroro (600mw) and Kainji (440mw) to operate at optimal capacity.

This, notwithstanding, the country’s unutilised power generation due to gas constraint stood at 4,517mw, as at yesterday.

Data from the current daily operational report of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) obtained by The Guardian, yesterday, showed, Kainji Hydro with 440mw installed capacity is currently generating 305mw, Jebba with installed capacity of 360mw is working at full capacity. Shiroro with installed capacity of 600mw is generating about 560mw.

Other power plants, which have also contributed significantly to the rise in electricity, are Egbin Steam. With installed capacity of 880mw, it is contributing 407mw. Sapele is generating at full capacity.

Though, the country’s installed capacity stands at 11,165.40mw, the network operational capability remained 5,500mw while peak generation ever attained remained 5,500mw as at February 2016.

For instance, the latest Power Generation Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the country’s electricity generation hovered around 1,000mw and 2,000 from June1 to June 2016.

Despite this moderate improvement in power supply, there were days generating companies witnessed total or partial system collapse.

For instance, TCN’s power generation report disclosed that the country witnessed total system collapse on June 28 and partial system collapse on July 10, 2016.

Analysis of the report showed that Afam IV and V Gas Turbines (GT) 1 to 12 have been de-commissioned and scrapped. GT 13 to 16 of the same power plant have been shut down due to blade failure.