TheNewsGuru

Tag: TCN

  • Enugu DisCo confirms National Grid collapse

    Enugu DisCo confirms National Grid collapse

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has confirmed the collapse of the National Grid system in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports EEDC confirmed the collapse of the National Grid in a statement on Thursday, adding it is awaiting detailed information of the collapse.

    TNG had earlier reported collapse of the National grid system, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo in Osun State.

    According to EEDC, all its interface TCN stations are out of supply, resulting in loss of supply across its network.

    The EEDC statement signed by Emeka Ezeh, its Head of Corporate Communications of, reveals that the system collapse occurred at 12:40am today.

    The statement reads: “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a total system collapse which occurred  at 12:40am today, 14th September, 2023.

    “This has resulted to the loss of supply currently being experienced across the network.

    “Due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide service to our customers in Abia, Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu and Imo States.

    “We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo”.

  • BREAKING: National Grid collapses

    BREAKING: National Grid collapses

    The national grid system, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from Osogbo in Osun State has collapsed.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the national grid collapse has thrown Nigeria into darkness, with the grid plummeting to a meagre 273 megawatts of electricity.

    This comes barely a week after TCN, rolled out the drum to celebrate a questionable 400 days of grid stability.

    A number of Distribution Companies confirmed to The Guardian that the grid went down at 00:41 AM, disclosing that most of their feeders are out.

    As of 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, five generating plants were on the grid. Afam VI had 0.70MW, Dadinkowa was generating 0.00MW, Ibom Power had 32.90MW, Jebba had 240MW and Olorunsogo was on the grid with zero generation.

    According to The Guardian, at about 1 AM midnight, the total power on the grid was 35MW, indicating that the grid experienced a total collapse.

    The grid went to 193MW at about 3 AM before dwindling to 273MW

    The TCN has not responded to inquiries about the development.

     

    Details shortly…

  • EEDC explains reason behind power outage in Awka, Anambra

    EEDC explains reason behind power outage in Awka, Anambra

    Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) on Thursday said that the current power outage being experienced at Awka was due to the loss of supply from Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station.

    This is contained in a statement from the EEDC Head, Corporate Communications Mr. Emeka Ezeh, who said that the outage that started on Wednesday by 6:30pm was due to loss of supply from its source.

    The statement said that all feeders under EEDC in Awka district are out of power supply owing to the development.

    It said that TCN engineers are already patrolling the lines to ascertain the cause of the power outage.

    “We therefore apologise to our esteemed customers in Awka and appeal for their patience and understanding as we are on standby.

    “EEDC is hoping that the issue is resolved and power restored within the shortest time possible,” it said.

  • Manufacturers lament over new FG programme

    Manufacturers lament over new FG programme

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed  concerns over the impending displacement of local meter manufacturers and assemblers in the phase II of the National Mass Metering Programme (NNMP).

    MAN Director-General, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said this on Thursday in Lagos, in reaction to government’s implementation process of the NMMP Phase II World Bank funded supply of 1.2million smart energy meters.

    Ajayi-Kadir said the advertised financial requirements and technical specifications by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) appeared skewed against local manufacturers.

    According to him, the requirements are stringent and negate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines for the implementation of NMMP and portend grave danger for the power sector.

    He stressed the need to guide against a repeat of the ugly scenario in 2012 where local manufacturers were sidelined in the meter supply and the nation was greeted with supply of substandard meters supplied by foreign companies.

    Ajayi-Kadir stated that position of the TCN was that installation would provide employment opportunities.

    He, however, noted that would completely pale into insignificance when compared with a ratio of jobs that would be created if local manufacturers were included in the scheme.

    “In keeping with the Federal Government’s backward integration policy and the advent of the NMMP intervention, manufacturers have made huge investments in expansion of manufacturing capacities and trained highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the power sector.

    “The seeming intentional denial of the local manufacturers does not take into cognizance their sterling performance where they deployed and installed 611,231 energy meters across the country between 2019 and 2021.

    “They also did same for one million energy meters across the country under the phase zero of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

    “It should be recalled that our members have been denied the opportunity to fully execute the contract for the supply and installation of 4 million energy meters under the Phase 1 of the NMMP scheme.

    “This was due to the unrealistic terms that arbitrarily fixed the contract prices far below the approved regulatory prices of energy meters in the country.

    “Additionally, the contractual term of payment after the supply and installation of the meters have not be adhered to, thereby jeopardizing the financial capabilities of our members that participated in the scheme,” he said.

    The MAN DG said that the subsisting Executive order 003 on patronage of made in Nigeria products which gives priority consideration to local businesses should be adhered to.

    He said this should have made government interrogated the World Bank documents and actively consulted with Nigerian stakeholders in the sector with a view mainstreaming their inputs.

    “As a nation that aspires to make progress and improve the well-being of its people, it is unconscionable that we continuously make the same mistakes.

    “We counsel that the excellent constitutional amendment that enlisted power generation and transmission in the concurrent list, should be complemented with the liberalisation of the distribution end of the value chain.

    “We are convinced that the liberalisation of the distribution end of the value chain will eradicate bottlenecks and give fillip to the efforts of government to bridge the metering gap and ensure just electricity billing regime,” he said.

  • Blackout in Abeokuta  as TCN loses 9 towers to vandalism

    Blackout in Abeokuta  as TCN loses 9 towers to vandalism

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria, (TCN) , has disclosed that activities of vandals have led to collapse of nine towers along the Papalanto/Abeokuta 132KV transmission line in the Obafemi Owode area of Ogun State.

    General Manager, transmission, Lagos Region, Engr Mojeed Akintola, in a statement issued by TCN Tuesday evening, explained that the collapse of the towers identified as towers 56 to 65 was discovered Monday after a tripping was recorded and a team was dispatched to trace the fault.

    “As a result, Abeokuta and environs are presently out of power supply even as efforts are ongoing to supply bulk electricity through an alternate line to enable Ibadan DisCo distribute electricity to its customers whose supply is affected by the incident, the statement said.

    While condemning the activities of vandals around TCN installations, the GM expressed regret that their nefarious acts negatively impact the gird expansion efforts of the company.

    “Also, resources that would have been used to further improve the grid infrastructure in Ogun State would now be used to replace the vandalized towers,” he added.

    “TCN is appealing to the host communities to work with her to protect our common national assets,” he noted.

  • TCN threatens to sanction erring electricity market participants

    TCN threatens to sanction erring electricity market participants

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has threatened to sanction erring electricity market participants, having given them notices and time to comply with the market rules.

    The market participants in the power sector are the generation, transmission, and distribution companies.

    TCN’s Market Operator (MO), Mr Edmund Eje, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, warned that one of the fallouts of the sanctions would be the partial or complete disconnection of defaulters from their point of connection to the grid.

    According to the MO, it is natural that some of the sanctioned players may attempt to politicise the action to score cheap points and whip up unnecessary sentiments.

    He, however, advised that consumers should be sensitive to the real issues, which is efficiency and survival of the Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    ”NESI is governed by rules which are absolutely necessary for the viability and sustainability of the sector. As such these rules are sacrosanct and must be complied with by all existing or new players in the sector.

    ”Essentially, the players in the power sector are the generators, transmission, and distribution companies.

    ”For all the players to interact effectively and create the requisite harmony for growth, efficiency, profitability and of course, continued sustenance of the sector.

    ”The rules set for governance and regulation of relationship between all in the sector must be obeyed and upheld,” he said.

    Eje said that some of these rules are domiciled with the MO, adding that adherence to the Market Rule is below expectation.

    He said that NESI market indiscipline was one of the major factors dealing a disastrous blow to the scalability and growth of the market.

    ”Participation Agreement is signed by all participants, but to comply with them is usually an uphill task for many.

    ”If the rules of every game are observed, there would be no need for sanctions,” he said.

    On the suspension procedure, he explained that when a participant violate the market rules the MO would first notify the participant in writing, specifying the violation and requesting that corrective action be taken within a specified period.

    Eje said that if the participant failed to comply with the notice, the MO may issue a notice of intention to suspend a participant’s access to
    the market.

    ”This notice will specify the reasons for the intended suspension, the proposed duration of the suspension, and the conditions for lifting the suspension.

    ”If the participant still fails to comply with the “Notice of Intention to Suspend’, the Market Operator may issue a ‘Notice of Suspension’, which may last for 30 business days.

    ”After the suspension period, the participant may apply for reinstatement by providing evidence of compliance with the market rules and any other conditions specified in the ‘Notice of Suspension’.

    ”The MO will review the application and make a determination on whether to lift the suspension or not,” the statement read in part.

  • FG okays contracts for Transmission Company of Nigeria

    FG okays contracts for Transmission Company of Nigeria

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the procurement, design, installation, and construction contracts and projects for the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Minister of Power, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, told State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo that the approvals were to facilitate the operations of the TCN.

    “The first memorandum sought council’s approval for the procurement of transmission line materials for re-conductor works for the TCN in favour of Messrs Legacy Power Ltd. in the sum of six million dollars; that is the offshore value.

    “The component for the onshore is N145 million, inclusive of the all taxes and 12 months of completion.

    “The second memorandum sought approval for a contract for the construction of a 15-kilometre turn-in, turn-out line at the existing Akure-Ado-Ekiti 132 single-circuit transmission line at the Akure sub-station transmission company.

    “It was also in favour of Messrs Legacy Power Ltd. in the sum of 2.5 million dollars; that is the offshore component.

    “The onshore component is N988.5 million,’’ he said.

    The minister explained that the 330KV sub-station in Akure, which had been completed more than two years ago, could not be energised because of unavailability of line that was supposed to come from Benin.

    According to him, there is a new line under construction, however.

    “The project has problem of right of way, which we are dealing with gradually. The line is supposed to energise the Akure sub-station which was completed more than two years ago.

    “The line is coming from Benin North to Oshogbo to energise the Akure sub-station.

    “The project is 132KV line from the Akure sub-station going to Akure-Ado-Ekiti which is simultaneously going on with the Benin North-Akure line.

    “By the time we are able to energise the Akure line, this project would have been completed so that the whole area would have no problem of electricity.

    “This project will be completed in 12 months and was also approved by the council,’’ he said.

    Aliyu said that the last memorandum which had five projects sought to design, supply and install 132 32kv sub-station and transmission lines across different locations in the country by the TCN.

    He said that the contracts, which were awarded to several contractors, had the total 53 million dollars offshore and N15.6 billion onshore costs.

    “The projects are all similar – design, supply and install 2 by 60mva 132 33kV transmission sub-stations across the country.

    “We have one in Misau Local Government Area in Bauchi State; we have another one in Mashi Local Government in Kastina State; we have the third one in Benue State, which is Api and North Bank in Makurdi.

    “We have the fourth one at Ebonyi where a 60mva transformer would be installed at a university; then, we have the other one at Ebonyi Airport; then, the fifth one is a line of 30km at Rimin Zakara to Kayin in Kano.

    “Total costs of the projects are 53 million dollars offshore and N15.6 billion onshore,’’ Aliyu said.

  • Power outrage as truck hits TCN transformer in Abuja

    Power outrage as truck hits TCN transformer in Abuja

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the current restricted  power situation in parts of Abuja was a result of a truck loaded with gravel that lost control and crashed into the company’s 132 Kilo Volt (KV) transmission tower No 20,

    Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday

    Mbah said that the incident occurred at about 2.55 pm Tuesday and brought down the tower, adding that life was lost.

    She said that the tower supplies bulk electricity to the 100 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) part of the Katampe Substation and 2x60MVA  Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS( Central Area Substation.

    ”Consequent upon the incident, there is restricted power outage in Maitama, Wuse, Central Area, and some parts of Garki,” she said.

    According to her, the company is working assiduously to put in place a bypass from the Katampe Substation to the GIS substation in the Central Area to restore power supply to the area and environs

    ”Attempts are being made by TCN engineers to remove the conductors presently lying on the road to ensure ease of movement around the area.

    ”Presently, TCN’S engineers are at the site of the incident and are already assessing the level of damage and attempting to put in place remedial installation in the form of a temporary by-pass to restore electricity supply to the affected areas, ”she said.

    Mbah also said that after the restoration of power to the tower, TCN  would commence the dismantling and reconstruction of a new transmission tower to replace the damaged one.

    TCN assures that its engineering lines crew are making every effort to restore power supply and notes that supply will be restored as soon as possible,” she said.

  • We’re committed to overcoming electricity transmission challenges – TCN

    We’re committed to overcoming electricity transmission challenges – TCN

    The Governing Board of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Tuesday said the company was more prepared to meeting the challenges of electricity transmission in the country.

    Mr Ekere Nsima, the Chairman, Technical and Monitoring Committee of TCN, said this in Lagos, in continuation of visits to transmission substations in Lagos by members of the Board of the company.

    “We are developing our capacity so that we can respond timelessly and efficiently to issues of maintenance.

    “TCN is improving its transmission capacity, and its ability to maintain in a professional manner, its facilities and equipment in our store in Lagos.

    “Consequently, there is an urgent need for the Generation Companies (GENCOs) and the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to make the necessary investments to enhance their facilities to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.

    Nsima, who is a member of the Governing Board, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing fund for transmission to increase its capacity.

    “We have seen many transmission substations, both the ones already built, and the ones recently constructed.

    “We have also seen that efforts being made to improve capacity, we have a 300 MVA 330/132/33 Kv Transformer in Lekki Sub-Station, we also have 2x60MVA 132/33kV Transformer and we are planning on doubling it.

    “So, at the end of the day, we are trying to provide a very low cost transmission rate for Nigerians. I’m very optimistic and excited about the TCN of the future.

    “What we are doing now is building the TCN for the future. And I’m very optimistic that we will be able to meet the challenges of transmission of electricity in this country,” he said.

    The chairman said the company had the capacity to wheel out over 10,000megawatt of electricity, adding that the generation level presently was around 3,300MW.

    On their visit to Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, Nsima said TCN was

    planning to build a 120 MVA transmission substation for transmission of electricity to the city.

    “Eko Atlantic is building a modern city, so, TCN is partnering with them to provide a reliable power for the inhabitants.

    “And so we are building a transmission substation there, the contract has already been awarded,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the members of Governing Board visited Lekki Substation and Eko Atlantic City to inspect generating plants project about to be completed.

  • TCN to deploy software to check grid collapse

    TCN to deploy software to check grid collapse

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it will acquire a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to check frequent grid collapse and energy rejection by Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

    Mr Ekere Nsima, the Chairman, Governing Board of TCN, said this during a visit by the board to its warehouse and some substations on Monday in Lagos.

    SCADA system is a software used to monitor and control an electrical grid system based on information collected from substations within the system.

    Nsima said when grid collapse became rampant, the board set up an Adhoc Committee to look into the matter.

    “I am the Co-chair of the committee and we went around, we understood that the issue of grid collapse and liability is a complex issue.

    “I can tell you the fault is not from TCN. We have seen what the issues are; a lot from Generation Companies (GENCOs) and DISCOs,” he said.

    According to him, most times, when energy is transmitted to them, much of the power will not be used and this affects the frequency which ultimately impacts negatively on the grid.

    “When the DISCOs were given to the private sector, if you recollect there were some investments they were supposed to make within a certain period to enhance their operation, but unfortunately they didn’t.

    “Also right now, because they didn’t make the investments they are not able to distribute the power they get today from generation and transmission.

    “The SCADA will help to ascertain how much is being generated and transmitted. They will stop blaming us and Nigerians will see it themselves.

    “So, TCN is in the process of installing a SCADA system and we know that once this is in place and deployed, it will help to get substance with grid collapse and liability,” he said.

    During the visit, the chairman expressed happiness with the condition of equipment at Ojo warehouse and its Lagos-West substations in Ayobo and Alagbon.

    “With what we have seen here and what TCN is doing, our wheeling capacity is gradually improving.

    “But we have to make sure that the generating companies are generating enough and we also have to make sure that the DISCOs have capacity to distribute.

    “So, even if TCN carries enough power and wheels enough power, if the distribution companies are not in a position to receive this power and distribute to consumers we still have problems.

    “We are appealing to DISCOs and GENCOs to step up their game, work on their infrastructure and improve on their capacities to take power so that they can distribute and let Nigerians enjoy some level of stability,” he said.

    Ojo warehouse, Mr Chris Okonkwo, the General Manager, Equipment Maintenance, took the Board of Trustees of the company to inspect newly purchased equipment that had not been distributed to substations.

    Okonkwo said after auditing, the TCN had about N89 billion worth of equipment in the warehouse in 2021.

    He said with the procurement of more equipment in 2022, the value of the equipment would be more than that.

    At Lagos-West substation in Ayobo, Mr Mojeed Akintola, the General Manager, of Transmission, TCN, said the substation had the capacity to wheel out 1,050 megawatts.

    Akintola said the substation was supplying three distribution companies which included Eko Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, and some parts of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.