Generation, transmission peaks at 5,375MW – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the National Grid successfully transmitted a new generation peak of 5,375MW on Feb. 7.

Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager, Public Affairs said it was the first time the nation’s power grid generated, transmitted and distributed such quantum of power.

She said the attainment of new national peak in power generation, transmission and distribution was a clear indication of the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s policy on incremental power.

Mbah said the generation peak of 5,224MW which was also successfully transmitted by TCN was attained on Dec. 18, 2017.

“This has now been surpassed by the new peak of 5,375MW.’’

According to her, the present capacity of Generation Companies (GenCos) nationwide is 7,450MW which is expected to significantly increase with the expected recovery of all the generators at Egbin plant by the management of Sahara Energy.

“The capacity of transmission based on the simulation of December. 2018 is 8,100MW.

“Since the last simulation, several transformers have been added to transmission,’’ she said.

Mbah said with the new combined peak, Distribution Companies (DisCos) had also increased their capacity.

She, however, said more work was needed to improve the distribution capacities to fully stabilise the sector.

The TCN spokesperson said the company had continued to upgrade critical transmission infrastructure nationwide with the commissioning of more than 40 power transformers and lines in 2017 and 2018.

She said the company had also constructed seven new substations and was diligently pursuing its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP).

“As at date, TCN’s wheeling capacity has increased from 5,000MW in 2016 to 7,124MW in 2017 and 8,100MW in 2018.’’

She said TCN was not only focusing on grid expansion but also on the quality of the power.

The TCN spokesperson said TCN achieved frequency control of between 49.50Hz and 50.50Hz between May 2017 and Nov. 2018 which had not been achieved for the past 20 years.

“From Dec. 2018 to date, TCN equally achieved the best frequency control of between 49.75Hz and 50.25Hz for 85 per cent of the time.’’

This, she said was the best frequency ever witnessed in the history of the Nigerian power sector.