Power Supply May Drop At Dry Season, Says Minister

INDICATIONS emerged at the weekend that electricity supply could drop, as soon as the dry season sets in. Minister of State for Power, Darius Ishaku, disclosed this when the Good Governance Tour team, led by Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, visited the World Bank assisted substation in Karu.

He noted that power supply has been stable because of the rainy season, which made some of the hydro power plants function at full capacity.

Ishaku observed that arrangements have been concluded to get more power from thermal stations to meet up with shortage that would emanate at hydro stations.

“We have prepared to turn on our thermal stations because, right now, we are generating more than is even needed. By the time dry season comes, we will get more power from the thermal stations to meet up with shortage from hydro power stations. We have eliminated some of the problems associated with gas.”

He stated that the country presently generates about 4,300MW of electricity, adding that massive work is going on in Kainji to rehabilitate turbines.

Ishaku said that 10 new independent power plants, when completed, would deliver 4,770MW of electricity to Nigerians.

Maku observed that the federal government, about nine months ago, awarded contract for a Power Transmission Substation for Lafia, wondering why there is no evidence the contractor has commenced work.

He said efforts are being made to ensure stability in power supply in the country.

Source: Guardian