Power
MEYEN Etukudo, the Managing Director of Ibom Power Plant has called for the upgrading of the station at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.
Etukudo stated this in an interview with newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.
He recommended the re-conductoring of the old transmission line between Aba and Itu, which he said was the only source of power supply from the national grid to Akwa Ibom.
“The line was constructed in 1978, so it is old; that is the reason it snaps occasionally when transmitting power,” Etukudo said.
Etukudo said that Savannah Energy, the supplier of gas supplier to Ibom Power, was currently conducting a maintenance on its gas pipelines, so it could not supply gas to the station.
He said that Ibom Power Plant was currently down due to the challenge of gas supply.
“When Ibom Power is down, Akwa Ibom receives power from the National grid only through the Aba-Itu transmission line.
“Since Ibom Power is down due to lack of gas supply, and the transmission line that brings supply from the National grid is also down.
“There is no source of power to Akwa Ibom, hence the power outage for some days now,” Etukudo said.
The Managing Director explained that emphasised that gas is the fuel for some power generation companies like Ibom Power Company.
“What that means is that different companies have different roles.
“One company cannot do the work of another, otherwise it will be violating its operating license.
“Ibom power is licensed to only generate electricity.
“Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), transmits the power to distribution companies like Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution PLC,” Etukudo said.
He added: “It is the distribution company, like PHEDC, that gives power to customers directly, that is why it is the name of PHEDC that is on the electricity bill, not Ibom Power.
“So, Ibom Power cannot repair transmission lines for TCN because transmission lines belong to TCN.
“TCN is working on the line; Ibom power is waiting for Savannah energy to complete their maintenance and restore gas supply.
“While PHEDC is waiting to get the power from Ibom power or the national grid or to distribute in Akwa Ibom.” (NAN)
A.I
Aug. 23, 2024
Tags: Mr Meyen Etukudo PHEDC
