Nationwide blackout imminent as TCN records another system collapse

.Agency begins investigation over incident, appeals for patience
. We’re working with DisCos to overcome challenges of power distribution- FG

Power outage being experienced in some parts of the country will soon extend to more parts of the country as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another System Collapse at about 14.19 hours on Wednesday.

The TCN General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Tinah Mbah, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Agency had also in a preliminary information from National Control Centre (NCC), indicated that the situation arose from the tripping of Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV line, which cut off generation from Odukpani Power Station to the grid.

The TCN, which stated this in a statement made available on Wednesday, further explained that the restoration of the grid has reached an advanced stage.

It added that it has also commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance, saying that the outcome of the probe will be publicised.

The TCN noted that the system disturbance happened at a time when work on the Western Gas Pipeline by the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) caused system collapse at about 21.17 hours which is yet to be completed.

According to the TCN, the grid would have withstood the Odukpani infraction if generation along Lagos region were available.

The NGC also disclosed that a contractor has been mobilised to reconstruct the affected segment of the Western Gas Pipeline, so that gas supply to Omotosho, Egbin, and Olorunsogo I and II can be restored.

According to NGC, the work would be carried out day and night and is expected to be completed within 24 hours.

The TCN noted that with the support of the Federal Ministries of Power and Finance, it has embarked on the implementation of Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme that seeks to expand, rehabilitate and stabilise the Grid. The TCN further appealed for Nigerians patience and understanding.

The Daily Times recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had in his New Year broadcast to Nigerians, said that more Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses.

He, however, noted that power remains a concern to his government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.

According to him, the Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise N701billion to assure generation companies of at least 80 percent payment for any power delivered to the national grid.

The President said: “Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017, the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.

“Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.

“Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.

“The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.

“A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.

“As I mentioned earlier, the TCN can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.

“This Administration is working with the privatised distribution companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.

“These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth.”