The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) has set a target of 5,000
Mega Watts (MW) of electricity for the second quarter of this year.
The Acting Chairman, Adeyinka Clement Oke, in the agency’s review of
2014 and plans for 2015, disclosed that the projection for service
delivery of 6,000 MW in 2014 was truncated to 5,000 MW mid-year, due to
delays in the attainment of projected additional gas supply (which were
expected to release more power in the West), the non- completion of
major transmission projects and non- utilization of stranded gas and
power in the eastern part of the country.
According to him, despite the delays, a new national energy peak of
99,450.60 MWH was reached in October 2014. He noted however, that
subsequent efforts made to attain the revised projection of 5,000 MW
continue to be frustrated by the vandalism of Trans Forcados Crude oil
pipeline (TFP) and, the Escravos to Warri gas pipeline in the West, and
the Trans Niger Crude oil Pipeline (TNP) in the East.
Increased supervision of these lines is being put in place, as an
attempt to reduce the frequency of such occurrences. He noted that the
attainment of the revised target of 5,000 MW is now projected for end
of second quarter of 2015 provided the issue of vandalism is mitigated
and the North-South Loop transmission line is completed.
Oke stated: “The problem of high system frequency, typically an
indication of load imbalance, which limits load supply and distribution
in the grid at energy levels in excess of 4,000 MW is a major threat
that could prevent reaching and exceeding 5,000 MW and beyond.
This issue is being addressed by the System Operator (SO) through
improved system management, Transmission Company of Nigeria through
(TCN) improving power offtake interfaces at DisCo off take points, while
the DisCos are looking at the possibility of taking more load.
To prevent future occurrences, there is a dire need to carry out, as
quickly as possible, a national load demand study, which should
facilitate an engineered and coordinated development of the power grid,
for the resultant outcome of a functional and realistic development of a
power network that will meet required demand and ascertain the true
grid demand.
“The good news, as we look down the road in 2015, is that upon
completion of a section of the North-South loop, which is currently
projected for the end of Quarter 2, substantial additional power is
expected to be generated into the grid, with an associated improvement
in system stability.
From our vantage point, we believe that this year holds the potential
for the attainment of new power and energy peaks for the nation”. He
added that in 2015, PTFP, consistent with its mandate, will continue to
monitor, facilitate and catalyze the development of the electricity
market across the fuel to power value chain, to ensure its
sustainability and viability, facilitate the successful implementation
of TEM and fast track the enhancement of service delivery – all key
factors for improved power supply for the growth of the Nigerian economy
and the improvement of quality of life for its citizens.
“We will seek to continue our work, with all public and private
industry stakeholders, monitoring, facilitating and catalyzing the
activities of the sector.
“On a personal note, 2014 saw a change in the PTFP leadership with
the resignation of the immediate past Chairman, Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack,
who after 2 successful years at the PTFP helm, chose to answer a
national calling. Under his chairmanship, the Task Force was integral in
providing technical support to various sector agencies, was a catalyst
in the milestone privatisation exercise as well as a driver for sector
performance”.
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