Power situation to worsen as FG shuts 2 gas stations

ABUJA—THE power supply situation is expected to worsen over the next three weeks as the Federal Government, yesterday, announced plans to shut down the gas power plants that supply electricity to Utorogu and Ughelli East in Delta State for maintenance.

Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who made the announcement in Abuja, explained that the action was in line with efforts to consolidate on successes recently recorded in improved electricity supply to homes and businesses in many parts of the country.

The minister, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, via a statement in Abuja, said the planned shutdown began yesterday and will be completed on June 22.

The statement said at the completion of the maintenance and upgrades, the facilities will be re-commissioned and it will improve gas production and ensure quality output from the lines to the power plants.
It added that the ongoing maintenance will slightly affect power plants fed by these gas facilities, which also include Egbin and Omotosho power stations.

It said the maintenance works, which is being carried out by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation, NPDC, is regrettable, just as the minister requested understanding and support of Nigerians in the task of revamping the sector.