Oredola Adeola

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has ramped up load allocation to all electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) with an average of 3,470MegaWatts distributed between Monday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Advisors Reports’ analysis of load allocation has shown.

TCN load allocation to distribution companies has in the last week weeks been low due to various factors such as low power generation, gas shortages, inadequate funding for electricity subsidies and liquidity issues within the industry.

The reduction in power supply since January up to the first week of March 2024, has impacted various distribution companies, leading to limitations in allocation from the national grid and disruptions in supply hours.

Checks by Advisors Reports showed that on Monday, March 11, 2024, Abuja Disco received 611MW, Eko Disco – 513MW, and Ikeja Disco – 603MW. Enugu Disco was allocated 223MW, Ibadan Disco – 373MW, Benin Disco – 253MW, Jos Disco – 175MW, Kaduna Disco – 201MW, Kano Disco – 209MW, Port Harcourt Disco – 221MW, and Yola Disco – 88MW.

The following day, Tuesday, March 12, Abuja Disco received 611MW, Eko Disco – 513MW, and Ikeja Disco – 603MW. Enugu Disco was allocated 216MW, Ibadan Disco – 361MW, Benin Disco – 245MW, Jos Disco – 170MW, Kaduna Disco – 195MW, Kano Disco – 202MW, Port Harcourt Disco – 214MW, and Yola Disco – 85MW.

On Wednesday, March 13, Abuja Disco received 611MW, Eko Disco – 513MW, and Ikeja Disco – 603MW. Enugu Disco was allocated 232MW, Ibadan Disco – 387MW, Benin Disco – 263MW, Jos Disco – 182MW, Kaduna Disco – 207MW, Kano Disco – 217MW, Port Harcourt Disco – 229MW, and Yola Disco – 91MW.

The power sector crisis in recent times have led to DisCos resorting to rationing supplies and implementing load curtailment directives to address grid stability issues caused by insufficient power allocation and generation deficits.

Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of TCN’s Public Affairs, remained unavailable for comment on the factors bolstering supply to DisCos.

Despite the current allocation falling short of requirements, Advisors Reports gathered that this recent development hints at a potential respite for electricity users in Nigeria facing challenges with power rationing and load curtailment.

Meanwhile, in a bid to address the worsening power situation, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, recently convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in the power sector.

That meeting involved the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as well as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to collectively tackle the challenges affecting power supply in their respective regions and seek lasting solutions.

Advisors Reports also gathered that the Minister has also applied pressure on Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance, resulting in a recent surge in generation to over 4000MW.

Additionally, he has also directed the TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission infrastructure like towers and power lines to enhance supply in affected areas.

Moreover, following the Minister’s recent visits to power generating plants, the government is taking steps to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies.

This move aims to alleviate financial strains and contribute to improved generation levels nationwide.