System collapse cuts power generation to 65 mega watts

The national grid yesterday experienced another system collapse that has forced power generation to slump to 65.8 megawatts (mw) from 1423mw recorded on Wednesday.

The system collapse, which marked the third within one week and fifth in 26 days, could worsen the blackout currently experienced across the country.

Statistics obtained from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) showed that the nation’s power generation has been on a downward trend since it peaked 5074mw in February this year.

The recent development may not be unconnected with the shutting down of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) gas pipeline after a militant attack late Tuesday.

The gas facility at Ogbembiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was the latest in the waves of attacks on oil and gas facilities after Chevron and Shell have shut down Forcados and Escravos.

Meanwhile, the Minster of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said Nigeria will be able to generate 12,000mw of electricity when the current challenges confronting the power sector are fixed.

The minister said in spite of the challenges, the country’s power sector still possesses the capacity to advance its power generation, transmission and distribution potentials through other energy supply sources.