Power generation falls below 4,000MW as Discos reject load

Total electricity generation in the country has remained below 4,000 megawatts in recent months as low load demand by distribution companies tops the list of factors causing idle capacity in power stations.

Data obtained from the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing on Monday showed that 2002.8MW was unused as of 6am on Friday as a result of low load demand by Discos, while 658.4MW generation capacity was unavailable due to gas constraints.

The nation’s power plants generated 3,762.60MW as of 6am on November 9, down from 3,913.60MW on November 8. Their total output stood at 3,903.50MW on Monday, according to the data from the Nigeria Electricity System Operator.

Power generation, which has been hovering below 4,000MW in recent months, rose to 4,204MW on November 7 from 3,810.50MW on November 6.

The Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, in a telephone interview with The PUNCH correspondent, explained the reasons for load rejection by Discos.

The PUNCH, November 13, 2018

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