As at August 10, 2017, 6803MW was recorded as the current available generating capability of Nigeria’s power transmission systems, but a wheeling capacity of 6700MW by TCN, is currently constrained by DisCos inability to take load.
In an earlier report, BusinessDay had reported that the national grid that coordinates eight transmission regions with 183 substations from a control centre in Oshogbo cannot be wheeled along because the power plants were not generating enough power.
A communiqué released at the end of the 18th monthly meeting between the Babatunde Raji Fashola, minister of Power, Works and Housing, (SAN) and operators in the electricity industry, stated that improvements from TCN is improving the wheeling capacity from 5000MW to 6700MW but generation and distribution still falls behind.
“Progress with generation was also noted, due to reduction in vandalism as a result of higher water levels and government efforts leading to improved gas supply, which has by no means solved the gas problems, but has brought the nation closer to reaching the February 2016 milestone of more than 5000MW,” says the communiqué.
TCN announced the completion of BirninKebbi and Kano (Kombotso) transmission substations as well as a substation at Tamburawa Water Facility. Kwanar Dangora substation was also listed as complete.
The communiqe further reported on the progress by the government in implementing the actions plans of the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) which is intended to reset and provide an avenue for the effective recovery of the power sector.
The Federal Government said that it was continuing payment assurance guarantee to Generating Companies (GenCos) which has provided comfort for Gencos and Gascos. Also the Minigrid and Eligible Customers regulation are designed to mitigate DisCo issues as allowed for in the EPSR Act have recorded progress.
“The constitution of NERC and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Boards which have already yielded results such as the newly launched minigrid regulation guiding the process of developing MiniGrids less than 1MW within the country. MiniGrids are intended to improve access to power and provide employment to the Nigerian people, and to provide relief to the DisCos, and allow a paradigm shift in Disco operations.
Further items completed in the PRSP document according to the communiqué includes the verification of debts owed by the Federal Government to DisCos, “which is completed, and awaiting payment approval.”
It further said, “PSRP progress also includes the expansion of transmission capacity, which includes the completion and handover of Kukuaba substation which provides relief for Katampe on July 10, 2017.
“The PSRP also recorded progress on metering arising FEC resolution of judgements against the Federal Government in the amount N119billion, while releasing N39 billion funding as a loan for metering. The Government had previously intervened in metering with CAPMI due to legal battles, however the programme was ended due to defaults and delays in providing meters paid for by customers.
The meeting reminded the public that DisCos are obligated to provide meters to the public. However, NERC is developing a regulatory framework that will permit meter service providers to provide meters as an investment opportunity.
ISAAC ANYAOGU
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