Power transmission attains new peak of 5,074.7mw

System Operator, Transmission Company of Nigeria yesterday announced the attainment of a new record peak generation of 5,074.7MW, and highest maximum daily energy wheeled nationwide of 109,372MWH on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

In a statement signed by Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Clement Ezeolisah, the new peak generation of 5,074.7MW was attained at 9:30pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

While the previous peak generation was 4,883.9MW achieved on Monday, November 23, 2015, the previous highest maximum daily energy wheeled nationwide was 107,142.32MWH recorded on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.

Managing Director, System Operation/ Market Operation, TCN, Dipak Sarma, attributed the twin peak achievements to the enhanced cooperation among all power sector stakeholders and concerted efforts by system operators at the National Control Centre and other stations to ensure that all generated power is wheeled to the distribution companies and that there is no stranded power.

Meanwhile, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said power generation would increase with additional 2000MW by the last quarter of 2016. According to a statement by Assistant Director of Press, Etore E. Thomas, the minister expressed optimism that the feat would be achieved given the various plans undertaken by the present administration in the sector.

He stated this at the ministry’s budget defence before the Senate Committee on Power and Mines, adding that a lot have changed in the management of power in the country, in recent times.
Distribution of power is no longer government business, but has been taken over by private companies.
Also government has privatised power generation which has steered towards the full privatisation of the sector with transmission aspect being managed by Manitoba International of Canada.

According to the minister, the 2016 budget focuses more on the transmission, completion of on-going projects, refurbishing power plants and tackling gas supply issues.
If all these, are well addressed, the expected projection would boost electricity generation in the country.
The minister further stated that the ministry plans to take its role as a policy maker more seriously while the agencies will be tasked more on implementation and execution of government’s agenda for the sector.