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TCN dashes hopes of improved Power Supply amid ongoing grid instability

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that the national grid’s instability will persist, with power supply disruptions expected to continue. The recent collapse of the grid, following a sudden frequency spike, highlights ongoing technical vulnerabilities that require critical repairs. TCN has vowed to improve the grid’s infrastructure, but stability remains uncertain as maintenance work progresses.

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2024

Emmanuel Abiodun

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that Nigerians should not expect a stable power supply soon.

The national grid remains plagued by recurring instability and critical maintenance. This news comes from a second grid collapse in 72 hours, resulting in widespread nationwide outages.

In a statement released on Thursday, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, attributed the recent collapse to a sudden frequency spike.

The spike, which surged from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz at 11:29 am, was traced to a substation issue, prompting an emergency shutdown to prevent further damage.

Mbah confirmed that power was swiftly restored in some areas, with electricity returning to the Abuja Axis within 28 minutes, a testament to the progress made in the restoration process.

The statement underscores TCN’s primary repair and upgrade efforts, including work on the Shiroro-Mando 330kV line, Jebba transmission substation upgrades, and the second Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV line restoration.

TCN explained that these projects, part of a broader grid-stabilization strategy, aim to strengthen Nigeria’s fragile transmission infrastructure.

“We are actively addressing the vulnerabilities identified in recent assessments to enhance grid resilience,” Mbah stated, acknowledging that grid stability will likely remain unpredictable until these infrastructure improvements are complete.

The collapse highlights the persistence of technical weaknesses within Nigeria’s power system, even as demand for reliable electricity grows.

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Following an internal investigative report, TCN has committed to addressing identified gaps, including ramping up security measures to curb transmission line vandalism—an issue severely affecting grid reliability.

“We understand the strain these disruptions place on the public, and we ask for your patience as we complete the necessary upgrades,” Mbah reiterated, reaffirming TCN’s unwavering commitment to a more resilient and stable power system.

This reassurance is a testament to TCN’s dedication to improving the power supply situation in Nigeria.

Despite these assurances, the prolonged timeline for grid repairs continues to fuel skepticism among Nigerians, who view stable electricity as essential to the nation’s economic and social development.