Power generation drops by 850mw - PHCN

12.03.2008

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) said on Monday in Abuja that power generation had dropped by 850 Megawatts (MW) of electricity due to inadequate gas supply to fire its available turbines.

“As a result, daily power generation at Egbin has reduced from 800 mw to 100 mw, and shortfall of 150 mw at Geregu gas plant,’’ it said in a statement.

The statement said the loss had impacted negatively on power supply, giving rise to load shedding nationwide.

“The Nigerian Gas Company this week commenced pigging of Escravos gas pipeline to evacuate the condensate, which further reduced gas supply to the power stations,” it added.

The statement quoted General Manager, Public Affairs of PHCN, Mrs. Efuru Igbo, as saying that inadequate gas supply was compounded by the outset of the dry season.

“This is when dams that supply water to the hydro-power stations are at their lowest level thereby limiting their generation capacity,” she said.

“PHCN regrets to inform its esteemed customers that for some months now, gas supply from NGC to Egbin and Geregu power stations has declined. This is due to the build-up of condensate in the Escravos gas pipeline.”