Discos improve power supply to 4,600mw as Egbin comes back to life

After some days of blackouts in some parts of the country due to sudden decline in power supply, the nation’s electricity distribution companies (Discos), under the auspices of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors (ANED), are currently improving power supply.

Cumulatively, the total power supply in the country has been increased from 3,600mw to N4,600mw.

BusinessDay gathered that the sharp decrease in power generated and distributed occurred couple of days ago as a result of misunderstandings between the Discos and old staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on alleged forceful ejection of PHCN staff from Discos properties, leading to sabotage done to Egbin Thermal Station.

The sabotage of Egbin Power Plant located in Ijede in Lagos State, which accounts for 20 percent of entire Nigeria’s power supply, was tampered with by old staff members of defunct PHCN and resulted in sharp decline of power generation and distribution all over Nigeria, losing about 1,100mw to the sabotage and the attendant blackouts in some parts of the country.

Speaking on the efforts of the Discos in ensuring that power is adequately supplied and stable in the country, Sunday Oduntan, executive director, research and advocacy, ANED, confirmed that the Discos had noticed the sharp drop in power supply and were working to ensure that normalcy was restored.

Although, Oduntan declined to comment on the alleged sabotage done to Egbin Power Plant, which led to a loss of 1,100mw, he however said the sharp drop was noticed and both Gencos and Discos were working together to improve power supply and ensure stability in the sector.

He said current power supply as of Thursday had reached 4,600mw and stakeholders in the power sector were working to improve stability, saying: “Yes, it is a fact that there was a sharp decline in power supply; some parts of Nigeria experienced blackouts in some days and we have been working on that to correct the situation.

“I can tell you that Egbin Power Station that was affected initially has been restored to life; it is now working perfectly. About 830mw has been added to the national grid from Egbin Power Station and power is gradually available and stable in the country.”

RAZAQ AYINLA