TCN begins nationwide load-shedding as power generation drops to 1087MW

THE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has begun nationwide load-shedding due to rupturing of the gas pipeline at the weekend.

This has led to a drop in power generation to 1087.6MW.

According to a statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the TCN stated that as a result of gas pipeline rupture on the 15th of June, 2018, as well as technical issues at the Shell gas wells on the 16th of June, there has been a sharp drop in generation into the grid by a total of 1,087.6MW, resulting in load-shedding nationwide, necessary to maintain stability of the grid.

Due to the NGC pipeline incident, TCN said that six thermal power generating stations are currently unable to generate electricity and have therefore been shut down.

The affected power stations include the Ihovbor, Azura, Omotosho gas, Geregu gas, Olorunsogo gas, Sapele and the 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 so that Shell Oil Company can resolve its gas well issues to enable it to commence gas supply to Afam VI power station.

According to Mrs Mbah, with a total loss of 1,087.6MW into the grid, the transmission system has become quite fragile and that TCN is working hard to avert a collapse of the system, by engaging in load-shedding.

Load-shedding, she explained, is to ensure that available generation is commensurate with what is allocated to discos nationwide, to create a balance and avert grid instability.

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The release further noted that NGC is making efforts to ensure that the gas pipeline issues are resolved in order to restore normal gas supply to the affected power generating stations, to enable them to generate into the grid.

Meanwhile, Shell has resolved its gas well issue this morning and gas supply partially restored to Afam VI.

TCN noted that there has been no collapse of the grid as has been reported.

Meanwhile, the company appealed for understanding and assured that its engineers are working hard to continue to maintain the stability of the grid, pending completion of repairs of the gas pipeline by NGC and restoration of full gas supply to the affected generating stations.