The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has made a significant reduction in electricity supply to the Aba Ring-fenced Area, comprising nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, slashing it by more than 50%.
Sources within Aba Power, requesting anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak to the press, revealed that the reduction, which commenced last week, saw supplies plummet from 25 Megawatts to a mere 10MW without any official explanation or apology.
“The reduction is concerning and has severe implications for our operations,” remarked Patrick Umeh, the Managing Director of Aba Power, confirming the drastic cut during a brief telephone conversation with journalists. However, he refrained from further comments, citing his attendance at a crucial meeting of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Lagos.
According to Chief Adolphus Udeigbo, President General of the Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPADA), Aba requires 100MW for stable electricity supply, highlighting the dire inadequacy of the current 25MW, which has now been further diminished.
“We have been complaining bitterly that the 25MW from the NDPHC is grossly inadequate, only to have it cut further at a time of acute heat and unprecedented economic crisis,” expressed Chief Udeigbo, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the local community.
Expressing dismay, Chief Udeigbo lamented the adverse effects of the reduced supply, citing instances such as the inability of Aba residents to watch certain matches during the recent African Nations Cup Competition due to insufficient power.
Furthermore, reports suggest that the Geometric Power plant, with a capacity of 181MW, may be operational before the end of the month, offering a glimmer of hope for improved electricity generation in Aba.
“This is why we can’t wait for the 181MW Geometric Power plant at the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba to get commissioned so that we will be freed the embarrassing performance of the nation’s electricity networks,” emphasized Bob Chukwueke, an Aba-based legal consultant, highlighting the urgent need for alternative sources of electricity.
However, an engineer working at TCN disclosed that 15MW of the allocated supply to Aba was redirected to other parts of Nigeria to alleviate the escalating energy crisis nationwide, attributing the crisis partly to reduced gas supplies from producers owed substantial amounts for previous deliveries.
“The reliance on thermal power plants, which contribute 80% of Nigeria’s electricity output, exacerbates the impact of dwindling gas supplies, intensifying the energy shortfall across the country,” explained the engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Adding to the predicament, hydroelectric plants at Shiroro, Jebba, and Kainji are underperforming due to the dry season, exacerbating Nigeria’s power woes.
“It is a pity that Nigeria has continued to suffer water management problems at the dams,” stated Matthew Abiodun, a retired engineer from Kainji power station, highlighting longstanding issues contributing to the nation’s energy challenges.
The dire state of the transmission network, characterized by fragility and frequent collapses, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure overhaul to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis. Gmtnewsng
