TCN Blames Low Power Generation On Gas Supply Constraints

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has expressed concern over a gradual drop in power generation into the national grid, saying it was due to low gas supply to the thermal generating companies.

TCN’s general manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

Mbah, in the statement, said that the development has impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centers nationwide.

LEADERSHIP checks revealed that at as 2pm on Thursday, power generation on the national grid was 2,386.90 megawatts

The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) currently operates the on-grid generation of 80 per cent thermal and 20 per cent hydro power plants.

The statement reads, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN hereby announces that there has been a gradual decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints to the thermal generating companies, which has impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centers nationwide.

“TCN is doing everything possible in collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that it continues to keep the grid intact in spite of the current low power generated into the system.’’

She, however, added that TCN was working to ensure gradual increase in electricity supply.

While it noted that the power distributed to the distribution load centers has reduced and as such can only transmit what is generated, the TCN assured of its commitment to ensuring increase in electricity supply to load centers as gas improves.

It added, “Consequent upon the current load on the grid, load distributed to the distribution load centers have also reduced, as TCN can only transmit what is generated.

“TCN is committed to ensuring a gradual increase in electricity supply to load centers as gas improves to power available thermal plants.

“Please bear with us as we continue to work with the stakeholders in the value chain to ensure that supply through distribution companies.’’

Recall that Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has earlier notified it customers that inadequate gas supply was hampering its efforts at supplying electricity to its numerous customers.

The DisCo, in a notification on its official X handle, disclosed that the present reduction in power supply across its network was due to gas shortages and other related issues arising from the generating companies.

‘‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused even as we work with our partners for speedy resolution,’’ it said.