Power Generation Falls Below 4,000MW

Power generation across the country dropped below 4,000MW yesterday as 11 power plants were idle, and others saw their output decline.  According to data from the Nigerian Electricity System, operator generation dropped from 4,394MW on Saturday to 3,922.2MW on Sunday morning.

11 power plants did not generate any electricity on Sunday. The idle plants included the six National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants; Geregu II, Sapele II, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Ihovbor, and Gbarain.  Afam IV&V, Ibom Power, AES, ASCO and Egbin ST6 were also idle.

Gas and water constraints and low demand by distribution companies were cited as reasons why 2,830.7MW of generation capacity could not be utilised.

Read also:  Generation Plunges as Hydro Output Drops.

Electricity generation has declined in recent weeks following gas supply challenges and low later levels. Distribution companies have informed consumers that the reduction in power allocation from the grid has been due to load shedding being carried out by the  Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

In recent weeks, the low power output has made the already poor supply received by many even worse as the frequency and duration of power outages have increased vastly.  According to Statista, Nigeria tops the list of countries with the most power outages in Africa, recording an average annual duration of 4,600 hours.

Hydropower makes up 12 per cent of the total installed capacity but is responsible for 30 per cent of the power generated; gas thermal power plants provide the rest.

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