FG Reveals Reason for Poor Power Supply [READ]

The federal government on Monday revealed the reason for the
deteriorating power situation in the country: Only 5 out of 23 power
plants in the country are working.
Vanguard reports that the news was revealed via a statement
released by Chairman of the National electricity Regulatory
Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi:
“In the last couple of months, electricity supply has been
generally poor on account of increase in vandalism in the
run up to the April 2015 elections. But this bad supply
condition has worsened in the last few days.
At present, 18 out of the 23 power plants in the country are
unable to generate electricity due shortage of gas supply to
the thermal plants with one of the hydro stations faced with
water management issue. This has led to loss of over
2,000mega watts in the national grid.
“This situation is further compounded by the recent
industrial actions embarked upon by workers in the oil and
gas industry, a development which is taking toll on other
sectors of the economy. Gas supplies to the thermal plants
have been further constrained by the industrial actions of
workers in the oil and gas industry.
The Commission had proactively engaged the gas supply
companies and its licensees when two weeks ago
discussion was held on how to firm up gas supply in order
to increase power supply.
Unfortunately, not much progress was made through this
meeting as NNPC and its subsidiary Nigeria Gas Company,
disclosed high incidence of vandalism in some areas that
were relatively peaceful along its pipeline networks.
That meeting was told of the damage done to Trans-
Forcados pipeline in the western axis and elps gas pipeline
in the eastern axis. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
had explained at the meeting that repair works are being
intensified even as it expressed worry on the integrity of the
pipelines on account of incessant damage it has sustained.
In essence, what has brought about this development is the
increased incidence of vandalism which is beyond the
control of the regulator and the industry operators. This
situation is further compounded by the industry actions
declared by the oil and gas workres.
However, we have continued to engage with relevant
authorities on how fast we can address shortage of gas
supply to the thermal plants. We are also engaging with the
industry operators on how to improve electricity supply.
The Commission regrets the hardships which Nigerians are
being subjected to on account of this development as we
intensify efforts to bring the situation under control in the
shortest possible time.”