Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engineer Chiedu Ugbo explained that gas supply remains a major challenge for power generation in the country.
He disclosed this when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy were given a factory tour of the 625MW power plant at Calabar Power Generation Company, a subsidiary of NDPHC.
He said the key factor in gas supply is money and that there have been shortages in this regard in the past, but expressed hope that government and other stakeholders would intervene.
“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 of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy, saying it showed that the government is focused on its promises to the people.
He said the government takes service delivery very seriously and knows it will be monitored, held accountable, and is aware of its responsibilities.
Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee on Energy, led by Chairman Victor Nwokolo, said the visit was to further constitutional accountability. Hon Nwokolo, who represents Ika North East and Ika South Federal Constituency, commended the NDPHC for its management of the Calabar power station and good collaboration with service providers.
He expressed optimism that this would continue and called on all stakeholders to work together to achieve the power generation target of the current government.
