TheCable

Power generation in some parts of the country will experience a drastic drop for the next three weeks, following the federal government’s announcement of the shutdown of Utorogu and Ughelli East gas plants.

According to the minister of power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, the closure of the two gas plants was to ensure their proper maintenance, as it would affect the output of power generation stations taking gas supplies from these plants.

The power generation, which before now was about 3,674 megawatts, is expected to drop by about 1000 megawatts, as the gas plants supplies a number of power generation stations in the country, such as Egbin and Omotosho.

The installed capacities for Egbin, Omotoso I and Omotoso II power stations are put at 1,320MW, 336MW and 252MW. However, as of last week, the power stations were generating 550MW, 141MW and 105MW, while other stations affected are said to be generating about 300MW.

“I am publicising the planned closure for maintenance by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation of its Utorogu and Ughelli East gas plants,” the minister said.

“This will no doubt have an impact on the output of the power stations fed by these gas plants, which include Egbin and Omotosho. The plants, to be shut for short periods of time on different dates, will inevitably result in temporary loss of generated power.”

Nebo expressed regrets but assured the public that it will not last longer than the short period needed for the maintenance and re-commissioning work.

“Our experts will be at work to ensure that available power is distributed in a manner to minimise inconvenience to consumers,” he said.

“At the completion of this scheduled maintenance and upgrade, there will be improved gas production and quality from the plants, which will noticeably increase the output of the affected power plants and increase generated power.”

He further solicited the understanding, cooperation and support of all, for the duration of the gas plants shutdown, while regretting the inconvenience which it might cause to parts of the country where supply will be temporarily affected.

Meanwhile, the federal government has urged states and local councils to assist in the ongoing campaign against vandalism of power infrastructure.

The minister of state for power, Mohammed Wakil, made the call while commissioning three transmission sub-stations recently completed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Kumbotso, Tamburawa and Kwanar Dangora, all in Kano State.

Mohammed noted that it is the responsibility of all tiers of government to protect public assets, such as electricity assets from vandalism, adding that abiding by such collective responsibility should be the hallmark of good citizenry and responsible leadership.