Power generation drops further to 1075MW

•Youths attack electricity workers in Port Harcourt
The nation’s electricity generation, yesterday, crashed further to 1075
Mega Watts, an indication that electricity consumers would experience
more frequent power outages.
The generation statistics obtained by The Guardian yesterday showed
that the generation level assumed a dwindling trend from 2,903MW
recorded last week Thursday. It dropped to 1624MW on Sunday and
further to 1075MW yesterday.
However, the daily operational report of the Transmission Company of
Nigeria (TCN) issued at the weekend showed that many of the power
plants are currently affected by gas shortage, water management and
transmission problems.
No fewer than 16 thermal plants were affected lack of gas supply, as
the Niger Delta militants continued to attack gas facilities in the
region.Among the thermal plants that have suffered from sabotage
attacks were Olorunshogo NIPP which lost 480MW; Omotosho
(228MW); Geregu (435MW); Delta lost 410MW; Olorunsogo Gas
(228MW); Sapele (258MW) and Egbing lost 717MW among others.
This situation has triggered concerns from the consumers who believed
that the privatisation of the power sector would have done more good
to the nation, if proper planning was in place.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved persons have continued to vent their anger
on electricity workers who were on duty for disconnection
exercise.Some staff members of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution
Company (PHED) and the security personnel attached to them were
allegedly attacked by residents of Epie Community in Bayelsa State
recently.
The attack, according to the company resulted in injury to three
policemen, the Business Service Manager, Pere Alazigha, a linesman,
Christian Umegbewe and other staff members involved in the
disconnection exercise.
The incident was described as the second to take place within the week
as two days before, disconnection team of PHED was also beaten up at
Airtel Road.
The Chief Operating Officer, PHED, Engr. Kingsley Achife, condemned the
act, adding that ‘PHED will not relent in their commitment towards
serving their paying customers and this we hope to achieve by ensuring
that customers pay for energy consumed.’
He appealed to the public to desist from attacking staff who are willing
to render quality service to them.The Minister of Power, Works and
Housing, Babatunde Fashola had recently assured that the Federal
Government was strategising to tackle the power challenges facing the
country.
Accusing the Niger Delta militants of being responsible for the drop in
power supply he said government would not continue relying only on
gas to provide power to Nigerians.
Culled from: http://guardian.ng/business-services/business/power-
generation-drops-further-to-1075mw/