Egbin Power Station, one of the thermal power stations in the country, has been temporarily shut down for maintenance works on a crucial gas pipeline linked to the power plant.
According to information on the station’s shutdown, the shutting of the plant was carried out at 11:13 hours on Monday, and would last for three days, with the attendant implications for shortfall in power generated into the national grid.
Egbin Power Station contributes a substantial 676MW of bulk power to the national grid.
The notice from the authorities further indicated that power plant shutdown became imperative in order to allow the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) to conduct vital maintenance on the gas pipeline that supplies the facility.
It stated: “This maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of the power supply system.
“The temporary shutdown of the Egbin Power Station will result in a significant reduction of power available to distribution companies and load centers nationwide.
“This decrease in supply could lead to temporary power outages or load shedding in various parts of the country, potentially impacting residential, commercial, and industrial activities.
“In response to the shutdown, the government and power distribution companies are expected to implement contingency measures to mitigate the impact on end-users. These measures might include the activation of alternative power sources and the implementation of strategic load management to balance the reduced supply”, the statement added.
The public had been advised to anticipate possible power fluctuations during the maintenance period and to plan accordingly.
The power sector authorities reassured electricity consumers that the maintenance was a necessary step towards ensuring the long-term stability and efficiency of the national power grid, adding that the maintenance work being carried out by the NGC is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of the power supply for the nation’s economic growth.
