Youths attack electricity workers in PHC as Power generation drops further to 1075MW

The nation’s electricity generation, yesterday, crashed further to 1075 Mega Watts, an indication that electricity consumers would experience more frequent power outages.

The generation statistics obtained yesterday showed that the generation level assumed a dwindling trend from 2,903MW recorded last week Thursday. It dropped to 1624MW on Sunday and further to 1075MW yesterday.

However, the daily operational report of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) issued at the weekend showed that many of the power plants are currently affected by gas shortage, water management and transmission problems.

No fewer than 16 thermal plants were affected lack of gas supply, as the Niger Delta militants continued to attack gas facilities in the region.Among the thermal plants that have suffered from sabotage attacks were Olorunshogo NIPP which lost 480MW; Omotosho (228MW); Geregu (435MW); Delta lost 410MW; Olorunsogo Gas (228MW); Sapele (258MW) and Egbing lost 717MW among others.

This situation has triggered concerns from the consumers who believed that the privatisation of the power sector would have done more good to the nation, if proper planning was in place.

Meanwhile, some aggrieved persons have continued to vent their anger on electricity workers who were on duty for disconnection exercise.Some staff members of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) and the security personnel attached to them were allegedly attacked by residents of Epie Community in Bayelsa State recently.

The attack, according to the company resulted in injury to three policemen, the Business Service Manager, Pere Alazigha, a linesman, Christian Umegbewe and other staff members involved in the disconnection exercise.

The incident was described as the second to take place within the week as two days before, disconnection team of PHED was also beaten up at Airtel Road.
The Chief Operating Officer, PHED, Engr. Kingsley Achife, condemned the act, adding that ‘PHED will not relent in their commitment towards serving their paying customers and this we hope to achieve by ensuring that customers pay for energy consumed.’

He appealed to the public to desist from attacking staff who are willing to render quality service to them.The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola had recently assured that the Federal Government was strategising to tackle the power challenges facing the country.

Accusing the Niger Delta militants of being responsible for the drop in power supply he said government would not continue relying only on gas to provide power to Nigerians.

Source: TheGuardian