From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC Engineer Chiedu Ugbo has disclosed that gas supply remains a major challenge in power generation in the country.
He disclosed this at the Calabar Generation Company, a subsidiary of the NDPHC when members of the House of Representatives committee on power paid a facility tour of the 625MW power generation plant.
He said a major factor of gas supply is money and they have experienced shortfall in the past in this aspect but expressed hope that government and other stakeholders is stepping into it.
“The only challenge we have in our power plants in the Western axis is gas supply but we are doing everything to form a good handshake with our gas supplier.
“A major factor of gas supply is money, tariff payment which we have experienced a lot of shortfall in the past from the market.
“We generate, put it into the grid and the money does not return fully but government is stepping into it and doing a lot to ensure we are paid.
“Once we are paid, we are able to pay the gas suppliers so it’s a chain and all parts has to work very well”, he said.
He welcomed the visit by the house committee on power saying it shows the government is focusing on its promise to the people.
He said the government places premium on service delivery and they are alive to their responsibilities knowing that they are being watched and will be accountable.
Earlier, the house committee on power lead by its chairman Victor Nwokolo said the visit is in furtherance of its constitutional responsibility.
Hon. Nwokolo who represents Ika North East and Ika South Federal Constituency commended NDPHC for its management of the Calabar Generation Plant and it’s proper collaboration with service providers.
He expressed optimism that this will be sustained and charged all stakeholders to collaborate in order to achieve the aims of the present administration in achieving its power generation targets.