As Niger Delta Avengers continue to intensify attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region power generation has dropped to 2,774 megawatts.
This was disclosed yesterday, by a source in the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, who wants to remain anonymous.
The source said the power generation has dropped drastically from 4, 000 megawatts to 2, 774 megawatts.
“With the recent attacks on oil and gas pipelines by the new militant group (Niger Delta Avengers) in the Niger Delta region current power generated stands at 2, 774 megawatts per hour on June 3, 2016 from 4, 000 megawatts on February 2, 2016.
“Out of this, 762 megawatts is from the three hydro-electric power generating stations, which are Jebba, Shiroro and Kainji, while 2, 012 megawatts are being generated by the 24 thermal power stations, totaling 2, 774 megawatts”, the source stated.
According to the source oil companies whose oil platforms are under attacks by the militants in the Niger Delta region used to supply gas to thermal power stations at 700mscp/d and now it has dropped to 300mscp/d.
“However, the hydro-electric power stations are doing well because the water level is steadily rising, but at that it is not still enough to meet the demands by electricity consumers across the country”, the source said.
The source also lamented over the attacks by the militants and described it as pure have sabotage on federal government’s efforts to adequately meet the power demands of Nigerians and investors, and also the negative impact on power generation and distribution for national development.
Meanwhile, according to the source, “gas pipelines attacked by the militants are being repaired under tight security I would not want to go into details because it involve high level of security issues.”
Speaking on the attacks suffered in the power sector, the source also disclosed that electricity distribution companies are considering embarking on solar power generation.
The source warned that the attacks will hinder government to achieve its good intentions for the development of the nation and appealed to the leaders of the militants to cease further attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region, and channel their grievances through peaceful means.
On Thursday last week, the Niger Delta Avengers also bombed the Forcados 48 Export Line belonging to Shell Nigeria Petroleum Company, SNPECo, in Delta State, after crippling oil and gas platforms belonging to Chevron in the wake of the attacks.
By Thompson Ewepu
