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Tag: TCN

  • Black-out as Labour leaders chase away electricity workers from national grid

    Black-out as Labour leaders chase away electricity workers from national grid

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed to the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide.

    The TCN made this known in a statement through its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, where he noted the national grid shut down occurred at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024.

    Mbah explained that about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room.

    Mbah stated that staff members who tried to resist, were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room.

    According to Mbah, other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations, adding that some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.

    Mbah said, “The power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency.

    “The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am.

    “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.

    “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.”

  • Tariff hike: Workers stranded as NLC, TUC shut down Jos DisCo, TCN offices

    Tariff hike: Workers stranded as NLC, TUC shut down Jos DisCo, TCN offices

    Workers stranded as the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCo) in Bauchi have been sealed by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    The development followed non-compliance to letters allegedly written to electricity operators and regulators to reduce electricity costs and introduce bands for consumers in the state.

    The leadership and members of the two unions converged at the entrance of the main office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, where they sealed the gate and prevented staff and other visitors from entering the building.

    The NLC and TUC enforcement moved to the NERC and TCN offices in different locations within Bauchi metropolis to ensure they were also closed.

    During the peaceful protest, members of the two unions were seen displaying placards with various inscriptions, like “NLC/TUC Says No To Exploitation,” “No Segregation in Power Supply,” and “No More Band A, B, or even Z.”

    Addressing their members, Bauchi State NLC Chairperson, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu, said that the union’s SWC held a meeting in Abuja on April 30 and wrote to the discos to make an immediate reversal of the new tariff.

    “The joint NEC of the NLC and TUC wrote the same letter to them to reverse the tariff, and we issued a letter which we are expecting them to reverse. Their failure to reverse it is the result of what we are implementing here this morning and across the nation.”

    “We have received reliable information that the JEDC office in Yelwa is selling units and making remittances, we are going there to stop that. We will ensure that the entire office were shut down, no operations.

    “It’s a clarion call for all of us to stand resolutely. We have started this struggle, and there is no going back until the new tariff on electricity is reversed.

    “We know how we are suffering, and everyone knows that Nigerians are facing hard times. Even with the increase, the supply is not there.

    “Therefore, we are calling on the Federal Government to immediately reverse it. Otherwise, there is no going back, we will shut down the whole electricity supply system in this country,” he said.

    Many workers are already stranded over this development in Jos.

  • Finally, NERC unbundle TCN, establishes independent system operator

    Finally, NERC unbundle TCN, establishes independent system operator

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) with the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO).

    In an order dated April 30, 2023, jointly signed by NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, and vice chairman, Musiliu Oseni, TCN is directed to transfer all market and system operation functions to the newly established company.

    This decision follows the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, which provided more precise guidelines for the incorporation and licensing of the Independent System Operator (ISO) and the transfer of assets and liabilities of TCN’s portion of the ISO.

    NERC also instructed the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to incorporate a private company limited by shares under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, by May 31.

    The newly formed company, to be named the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO), will assume the market and system operation functions outlined in the Electricity Act and TCN’s system operation licence.

    “The name of the company shall, subject to availability at Corporate Affairs Commission, be the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (“NISO”),” NERC said.

    According to NERC, NISO will manage all assets and liabilities related to market and system operation on behalf of market participants, consumer groups, or other stakeholders specified by the Commission.

    It will also negotiate contracts for ancillary services with independent power producers and successor generation licensees and fulfil other market and system operation-related obligations previously held by TCN.

  • Power: NERC introduces NISO as TCN replacement

    Power: NERC introduces NISO as TCN replacement

    In its bid to improve the electricity situation of the country, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has begun the unbundling process of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), while introducing the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO).

    TCN has now been mandated to transfer all market and system operation functions to the newly established entity for the proper actualization of the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited after a letter , jointly signed by NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba and Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni,  surfaced on April 30, 2023,

    It would be recalled that TCN held transmission service provider (TSP) and system operations (SO) licenses in accordance with the Electric Power Sector Reform Act.

    However, the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 provided clearer guidelines for incorporating and licensing the independent system operator (ISO) and for the transfer of assets and liabilities from TCN’s portion of the ISO.

    Moreso,  NERC has instructed the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to incorporate a private company limited by shares under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, by May 31.

    This new entity, named the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (“NISO”), will assume the market and system operation functions outlined in the Electricity Act and TCN’s system operation license terms.

    According to NERC, emphasized that NISO’s memorandum of association (MOU) will empower the company to manage all assets and liabilities related to market and system operation on behalf of market participants, consumer groups, or specified stakeholders.

    Additionally, NISO will be tasked with negotiating ancillary service procurement contracts with independent power producers and successor generation licensees, as well as performing other market and system operation functions outlined in its license.

    Overall, NERC expects NISO to fulfill all contractual rights and obligations pertaining to market and system operations previously held by TCN.

    This move marks a significant step in the restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity sector, aimed at enhancing efficiency and market performance.

  • Blackout looms as vandals damage TCN towers

    Blackout looms as vandals damage TCN towers

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated that vandals destroyed four towers along the Jos-Gombe transmission line, causing power outages in Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba states.

    TCN general manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who reported this in a statement late Monday night, said the towers were vandalized at 3:32pm on Monday.

    As a result, the bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo Substations has been disrupted, affecting the bulk power supply to parts of Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas.

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that four towers along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line have been vandalised at about 3:32 pm today, 22nd April 2024.

    “TCN notes that when the 330kV transmission line tripped, its operators attempted to restore it to service but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN lines men to trace the line to detect and rectify the fault.

    “While fault tracing, TCN’s engineering crew discovered that towers 288, 289, 290, and 291 were vandalised and that some tower members were carted away. Also, the towers had equally collapsed as a result of the incident.

    “Presently, bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo Substations have been disrupted, affecting the bulk power supply to parts of Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas.

    “To mitigate the effect of the incident on electricity consumers affected by the incident, TCN is trying to first back feed Gombe through its 132kV transmission line from Bauchi and subsequently Ashaka, Potiskum, Damaturu, and Billiri/ Savannah.

    “We will do everything possible to restore supply to the affected areas while efforts are made to reconstruct the four vandalised towers,” the TCN spokesperson said.

  • TCN towers vandalised along Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line

    TCN towers vandalised along Jos-Gombe 330KV transmission line

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says  four of its towers  along  the  Jos – Gombe 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission line have been vandalised.

    The company said that the incident took place at about 3:32pm on Monday.

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

    Mbah said  that when the  transmission line tripped, TCN operators attempted to restore it to service but it tripped again.

    She said that this prompted the dispatch of TCN men  to trace the line in order to detect and rectify the fault.

    According to her, while  tracing the fault, TCN’s engineering crew discovered that towers 288, 289 , 290, and 291 were vandalised and that some tower members were carted away.

    ”Also, the towers had equally collapsed as a result of the incident.

    ”Presently, bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo substations have been disrupted, affecting bulk power supply to parts of Yola  and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas,”she said.

    Mbah said that to mitigate the effect of the incident on electricity consumers affected by the incident, TCN tried to  back feed Gombe through its 132kV transmission line from Bauchi and subsequently  Ashaka, Potiskum, Damaturu, and Billiri/ Savannah.

    She vowed that the company  would do everything humanly possible to ensure that supply was restored to the affected areas, while efforts were being made to reconstruct the  vandalised towers.

  • TCN deploys technology to address incessant national grid collapse

    TCN deploys technology to address incessant national grid collapse

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has deployed a Generation Dip/Loss Detection System (GLDS) which detects and responds to sudden drops or dips in power generation.

    Mrs Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN said in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday that the deployment of the GLDs was part of the company’s efforts to enhance grid management.

    “As TCN continues to make efforts to enhance grid management, its engineers have recently deployed the GLDS which plays a pivotal role in detecting and responding to sudden drops or dips in power generation across the network.

    “This innovation stands as a testament to TCN’s commitment to advancing grid management capabilities.

    “Designed to empower the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo, GLDS provides grid controllers in NCC with advanced tools for real-time monitoring and analysis of grid performance, ’’she said.

    Mbah said that the GLDS intuitive interface allows for the setting of parameters, continuous monitoring of power generating stations, and comprehensive reporting functionalities, enabling swift responses to grid disturbances.

    She said that the GLDS incorporates sophisticated data analytics and machine learning processes to analyse real-time data and identify patterns associated with sudden generation loss.

    “By leveraging anomaly detection techniques, GLDS can promptly alert grid controllers on deviations from normal grid behaviour, facilitating proactive intervention to prevent widespread disruptions.

    “TCN ensures seamless communication between GLDS and Internet of Things (IoT) cloud servers, enabling more rapid response and coordination of mitigation strategies.

    “This connectivity underscores TCN’s commitment to enhancing grid resilience and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of electricity to consumers across the country,” she said.

    Mbah said that previously, TCN engineers had developed an in-house design that leverages IOT technology as an innovative solution in response to the challenge of limited visibility of power generators.

    According to her, the IOT devices, which were strategically deployed across power stations and some substations, facilitate the collection of near real-time data, including power generation levels and grid performance metrics.

    “The IOT enabled the expansion of visibility of power generating stations from 6 to 27, this has helped TCN significantly improve its ability to monitor grid load and identify potential issues before they escalate.

    “Recently, the IOT device was also used to capture generation from Taopex GS and Zungeru Hydro Power Stations, bringing the total number of power stations visible to the national grid to 29.

    “GLDS and the IOT represent a significant step forward in bolstering grid stability and reliability,” she said.

    Mbah said that these initiatives would empower TCN’s grid controllers with the insights needed to proactively address challenges and minimise disruptions.

    “As well as demonstrates TCN’s dedication to meeting the evolving demands Of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)’’ she said.

  • TCN opens up on national grid collapse

    TCN opens up on national grid collapse

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the national grid has been fully restored after Monday’s fire incident at the Afam power generating station in Rivers.

    TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, stated in Abuja that the fire caused a partial disturbance of the grid.

    “At about 2:41a.m., fire erupted at the Afam V 330kv bus bar coupler leading to the tripping of two units, Afam III and Afam VI.

    “This resulted in a sudden generation loss of 25mw and 305mw respectively at the two units; destabilising the grid and causing a partial collapse.

    “The affected section of the grid has been fully restored and stabilised,’’ she stated.

    She explained that during the incident, the Ibom Power plant was isolated from the national grid and it supplied power to parts of Port Harcourt region, thereby minimising the effect of the system disturbance.

    “TCN reaffirms its commitment to enhance the resilience and reliability of the national grid and pledges to continue investing in measures to strengthen the grid infrastructure,’’ Mbah assured.

  • BREAKING: National Grid collapses again

    BREAKING: National Grid collapses again

    The National Grid, being operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has suffered yet another collapse, throwing the entire country into total darkness.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this will be the 5th time the National Grid will collapse in 2024 under Adebayo Adelabu as the Minister of Power.

    This is coming barely a week after the controversial review of Band A electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    According to data obtained from www.niggrid.org, the Nigerian System Operator’s portal, as reported by Business Day, the grid collapsed at about 2:00 am.

    The grid recorded an unprecedented zero Megawatts (MW) at the time and is currently generating a meagre 52.3MW around 7:10 am today.

    The consequences of this blackout were felt nationwide, as electricity distribution companies (DisCos) struggled to cope with the sudden and prolonged outage.

    Many parts of the country have been plunged into darkness for over five hours as the grid is yet to come into full recovery.

    This collapse marks the fifth grid disturbance in 2024, adding to challenges that have long plagued Nigeria’s power sector.

    In a year already marred by disruptions, this latest incident stands out as the most severe, exacerbating the ongoing struggles consumers and industry stakeholders face.

    Despite the widespread impact of the blackout, neither the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) nor the DisCos have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause and resolution of the crisis.

    As of the time this report was filed, the TCN had not stated to confirm the occurrence, leaving the public and stakeholders in the dark about the source and resolution of the newest crisis.

  • Epileptic Power Supply: TCN, IBEDC trade blame

    Epileptic Power Supply: TCN, IBEDC trade blame

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria  (TCN) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company  (IBEDC) are currently in a blame game over power supply failure amid recent tariff hike.

    It would be recalled that IBEDC, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Kano Electricity Distribution Company issued notices blaming TCN for inability to deliver estimated hours of supply to its feeders.

    Ndidi Mbah, the TCN General Manager Public Affairs, in a statement signed and released by him described the allegation as incorrect.

    “That IBEDC’s publication on the 9th of April 2024 across their social media platforms, attributing their inability to deliver estimated hours of supply to its customers is incorrect.

    “That the feeders mentioned in the publication are NOT within the TCN network. This means that most of the listed feeders in the publication are 11kV operated by IBEDC and completely outside TCN’s Operational Control and in IBEDC’s network.

    “That the reasons given for the outage on IBEDC 11kV and 33kV are earth/ over current faults, which have no bearing on TCN’s frequency control operations.

    “That the statement by IBEDC has been verified by TCN’s regional management in Osogbo in conjunction with IBEDC Officials themselves and has been proven to be false, necessitating necessary corrections being made.

    “While TCN sees this misinformation of IBEDC as a ploy to undermine and mislead the public against regular power supply, we remain focused on supporting the government’s move towards a more robust and efficient power supply”, TCN stated.

    Meanwhile, TCN was silent about the allegations by AEDC and Kano Disco.

    Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission last Tuesday approved a 245 per cent tariff hike for electricity customers under Band A.

    However, customers nationwide are lamenting Discos’ inability to meet up with hours of power supply despite the hike.