The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the nation’s power grid did not experience a system collapse today (Saturday) contrary to reports circulating in the media.
In a statement released by the company’s General Manager Public Affiars, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, in Abuja, TCN explained that at around 13:41hrs, the Osogbo-Ihovour transmission line tripped, which was followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line.
These incidents, TCN admitted affected bulk electricity supply to the Lagos axis only.
It stated that prior to the tripping, total power generation on the grid stood at 4,335.63MW, adding that after the tripping, power generation reduced to 2,573.23MW, but the grid remained operational.
The company stressed that this situation does not equate to a system collapse.
TCN stated that the transmission line tripping temporarily affected power supply from key power stations, including Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras plants. All but the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line have since been restored, with efforts to restore the latter still ongoing.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today, contrary to the widely published misinformation in the media.
“Earlier today, at about 13:41Hrs, the Osogbo-Ihovour line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benini-Onotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only the Lagos axis alone.
“It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 Hrs today, just before the tripping, the total generation on the grid was 4,335.63MW.
“After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.
“The transmission line tripping affected Edgbin, Olorunsogo, Omotoso, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin – Omotoso 330kV line whose restoration is ongoing”, TCN stated.
TCN reiterated its commitment to strengthening the national transmission grid despite the challenges faced.
It also urged the public to rely on accurate information, cautioning against the spread of misinformation, which could cause undue alarm.
“TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid in despiteevailing challenges. We must understand the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts”, the company added.
