Power generation hits 3,485MW, PHCN apologises for blackout

The fragile power situation in the country improved slightly on Tuesday, hitting 3,485 megawatts.A source at the headquarters of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, who would not want his identity disclosed, confirmed this to our correspondent on the telephone.The source said the return to operation of some of the power stations after restoration of full gas supply had led to improved power generation nationwide.PHCN had last month announced plans to shut down five power plants in different parts of the country following disruption of gas supply to the plants, a situation that subsequently affected power supply throughout the nation.The power utility explained that the Nigeria Gas Company Limited had informed it of the plan to shut down the Shell Petroleum Development Companys Utorogu and Ughelli East Gas plants, as well as the Oben, Sapele and Ogharefe gas plants of Saplet and Pan Ocean for maintenance purposes.It said, This will be for seven days, commencing October 11, 2011.The maintenance was to lead to the complete shut down of Geregu, Sapele, Ughelli, Omotosho and Olorunsogo power stations throughout the period, thus resulting in a cutback in generation of over 1,400MW.Despite the improved generation, the power supply situation in most parts of the country, especially in Lagos, has remained poor, forcing PHCN to apologise to customers, who have been experiencing blackout since Saturday.The apology was contained in a statement signed by the Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Pekun Adeyanju, on Tuesday.Adeyanju said the power outage was due largely to an equipment malfunction at the Maryland transmission station, adding that engineers were currently working hard to fix the problem.He said, The management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company wishes to apologise to its numerous customers in Mende, Ketu, Onigbongbo, Ikeja GRA, Ojota, Anthony, Demuren, Ikosi and Ojodu for power interruptions being experienced in these areas. This is due to equipment failure at the Maryland Transmission Station.Our team of engineers is making frantic efforts to complete repair work on the failed equipment within the shortest possible time, not exceeding this Sunday. The management deeply regrets any inconveniences these interruptions have caused the affected customers.
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