*Grid collapse causes power outage – Accuga Ltd
*Not true, we generated electicity during past 12 grid collapses – IPC
WorldStage Newsonline– Accugas Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy has denied its alleged involvement in the current power outage in Akwa Ibom State, saying it is entirely due to the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line.
The Management of Ibom Power Company (IPC) had earlier blamed Savannah Energy for the current state-wide power outage in Akwa Ibom, alleging that the gas supplier sabotaged its efforts by cutting off gas supply to its plant.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, IPC, Mr Meyen Etukudo said, “It is noteworthy that during incidents of the national grid collapses that caused nationwide outages more than 12 times this year alone, Akwa Ibom was exempted from the nationwide outages.
“This is because Ibom Power Plant continued to supply the state on island mode.”
He acknowledgment that the loss of gas supply coincided with a reported fault on the 132KV Itu-Aba Transmission line and while the Transmission Company of Nigeria is working to restore the 132kv transmission line import power from the national grid into the state, the Management of IPC continued to engage the management of Savannah Energy.
“This is aimed at restoring gas supply to the Ibom Power Plant, but Savannah Energy has remained adamant claiming underpayment from Ibom Power,” Etukudo said.
But in its reaction, Accugas Limited said the reported fault in the 132-KV Aba-Itu transmission line is preventing power being transmitted from the National Grid into the State.
“It is imperative that the restoration of the Aba-Itu line is completed as soon as possible,” it said in a statement.
“IPC is one of 23 thermal power generation companies which channel power to the National Grid, which in turn disseminates all accumulated power to each State of the Federation through the electricity distribution companies (“Discos”). Indeed, Accugas supplies gas to enable c. 20% of Nigeria’s thermal generation capacity and, as such, is a critical enabler of the Nigerian economy.
“Within Akwa Ibom State, Accugas has been the sole supplier of gas to IPC since 2014 and, together with other Savannah subsidiaries, has invested over US$1.5 billion in gas development within the state. “Furthermore, Savannah has recently invested c. US$45 million in a gas compression project at Accugas’ Uquo central processing facility at Esit Eket. Accugas’ commitments also extend to several social investment projects in the state. All the foregoing investments and projects, including other imminent investments Accugas intends to make in the State, demonstrate the Company’s long-term commitment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“Accugas will continue to partner with, and support, the government of Akwa Ibom State towards achieving the government’s agenda for economic development and prosperity of the state.”
