TCN Blames Gas Constraints for Drop in Power Supply

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the gradual decrease in available electricity generation into the grid to gas constraints by the thermal generating companies.

It also said that the decrease has impacted the amount of power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.

Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager for Public Affairs, said this in a statement seen by Business Post in Abuja on Thursday.

According to her, the company is doing everything possible to collaborate with stakeholders in the power sector, saying this is to ensure that it continues to keep the grid intact despite the current low power generated into the system.

”Consequent upon the current load on the grid, load distributed to the distribution load centres have also reduced, as TCN can only transmit what is generated.

”TCN is committed to ensuring a gradual increase in electricity supply to load centres 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 to electricity consumers nationwide improves,” the statement said.

Nigerians have lamented the drop in electricity output that has frustrated their daily use and businesses.

The increase in petrol pump prices following the removal of fuel subsidies has also impacted consumption as they cannot afford to run generators all the time.

Speaking recently, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said that the national grid will get a major boost with the addition of 40 megawatts from the Kashimbilla hydropower plant.

He stated that the additional power would facilitate the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Taraba and Benue States.

According to him, the surrounding communities in Taraba State, especially those displaced by the dam construction, are already benefiting from the 10 megawatts currently being distributed directly from the Kashimbilla hydropower plant.