Blackout: National grid’s power generation increases to 3,876.9MW

Indications emerged yesterday that the power generation into the National Grid which dropped to 1,086 megawatts last weekend due to the rapture of pipeline has increased to 3,876.9MW.
With the development, major cities in the country were in total darkness, and artisans lamented its untold hardship on their businesses.
The increase in the power generation of 3,876.9mw was 2790.9mw above the loss recorded in the power sector when the incident occurred.
According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), gas supply to generating stations had built up gradually after the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) restored a ruptured pipeline.
The company said that gas supply had improved, which resulted in the increase of power generation into the National Grid to 3,876.9 Megawatts as at 17.00hrs on Monday.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Tuesday, attributed the development to the report of the National Control Centre (NCC), and assured that within one day power supply would be restored to normal.
“TCN wishes to use this opportunity to commend NNPC, especially Nigerian Gas Corporation (NGC) for the quick intervention. The company also appreciates the Ministry of Power, Generation Companies (GENCOs), Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and electricity customers for their cooperation during the crises period,” she said.
According to Mbah, as soon as the gas build up is completed, the affected generating stations would resume normal generation into the National Grid.
She said through the implementation of Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, TCN was building new substations as well as upgrading existing ones and transmission lines all over the country.
“This is expected to further stabilise 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’’, she said.
Blueprint recalls that rupture of a major NGC pipeline had scuttled the delivery of gas to six power plants, which led to a drop in power generation by 1,087 megawatts and compelled the company to embark on load-shedding.
The affected power stations included Ihovbor, Azura, Omotosho gas, Geregu gas, Olorunsogo gas, Sapele and Egbin Power Station, which has managed to generate 60MW only on each of its units, losing a total of 211MW.
Also, Afam VI power station was shut down to enable Shell resolve its gas well issues and commence gas supply to Afam VI power station.