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Power Generation Crashes To 3,383MW Despite Hike In Tariff

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The recent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has failed to translate to improvement in power supply as on-grid generation fell to 3,383 Mega Watts as at 3pm yesterday.

Checks on the National Grid data posted on the System Operator’s Grid Data Portal showed that as at 3pm 19 power generation plants were on the grid. Significantly, Azura Power was off-grid despite beginning the day at 434MW. Egbin Power, the nation’s largest power plant was at 325MW far below its daily average supply to the grid of about 600MW.

The NERC had in the new Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO 2024, which took effect on January 1, said though the tariff has been raised consumers would continue to pay the old rate while the government would pay for the gap as a subsidy amounting to N1.6 trillion in 2024.

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READ ALSO: TCN Benin Region Embarks On Grid Upgrade, Laments Lines Vandalism, Encroachment

With improved revenue, NERC ordered electricity distribution companies to off-take 3,963MW as part of their obligations for the new tariff regime.

According to the Commission, from January 1, 2024, DisCos were to “secure adequate bilateral contracts to facilitate a seamless exit from NBET’s vesting contract regime”, adding that through bilateral contracts DisCos were “required to mitigate exposures to volumetric energy risk”.

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NERC stated that effective January 2024, DisCos shall have no recourse to claims revenue shortfall arising from generation shortfall, adding that DisCos are “required to continually procure additional energy volumes to serve their customers and ensure steady migration of customers to higher service bands on account of improved power supply”.

However, despite this directive, a check on DisCos’ grid energy off-take showed that the eleven DisCos had a load allocation of 3,134MW compared to the 3,963MW ordered by NERC.

READ ALSO: Anguish, Chaos, Gridlock Over Int’l Flight Relocation

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Specifically, as at 3pm on Thursday, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company was allocated 501MW compared to 611MW in the new MYTO, while Ikeja Electric was allocated 533MW compared to 603MW in the new MYTO with Port Harcourt DisCo on 219MW compared to 287MW in the new tariff regime.

Reacting to the drop in power generation, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, blamed lack of gas supply to power generation companies for the situation.

A statement by TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah stated: “There has been a gradual decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints to the thermal generating companies, which has impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centers nationwide.

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Consequent upon the current load on the grid, load distributed to the distribution load centres has also reduced, as “TCN can only transmit what is generated. TCN is committed to ensuring a gradual increase in electricity supply to load centers as gas improves to power available thermal plants.”

 

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Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

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The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

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Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.

The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.

‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama

‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.

He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

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“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”

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Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

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Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

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Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

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Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

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Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

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A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

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READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

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The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

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The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.” 

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

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