Power generation increases as NNPC fixes damaged pipeline

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says power generation to the national grid increased to 3,876.9MW on Monday.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN spokesperson, who announced this on Tuesday, said the increase was as a result of significant improvement in gas supply to power generating plants.

On Sunday, TCN attributed the blackout experienced in some parts of the country to a gas pipeline rupture which led to the shutdown of six power stations and a sharp drop in power generation by 1,087MW.

But Mbah said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had restored the ruptured pipeline and gas is gradually building up in most generating stations.

She said it is expected that gas and power supply would be back to normal in a few days, while the power stations would resume operations.

“An indication that gas supply has improved is the increase in power generation into the national grid, as reported by the NCC, has risen to 3,876.9MW as at 17.00hrs on Monday, June 18, 2018,” she said.

“TCN wishes to use this opportunity to commend NNPC especially NGC for the quick intervention and also appreciates the ministry of power, GenCos, Discos and electricity customers for their cooperation during the crisis period.

“As soon as the gas build up is completed, affected generating stations will resume normal generation into the grid.

“Through the implementation of transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme, TCN is building new substations as well as upgrading existing ones and transmission lines all over the country. This is expected to further stabilize the grid and also put necessary flexibility and redundancy in line with N-1 capacity.

“TCN will continue to count on all Nigerians for support and understanding as it continues to expand the nations’ grid.”