TCN Attributes Partial Grid Failure to Gas Shortage

Chioma Eche, Abuja. 

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the partial grid disturbance to gas constraints feeding the Ibom power plant, and feeding the Eket, Ekim, Itu and Uyo transmission substations.

 

In a statement by the TCN’s General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said during the period of partial disturbance, total generation on the grid was 3,901.25 Megawatt (MW) at 08:00Hours, a little over three hours before the time of the partial collapse.

 

Mrs Mbah while stating that the Commission has restored the affected part of the grid, explained that the low power generation persisted in the country since January 2024, to date, exacerbating daily generation due to the lingering gas constraint

 

According to the National Control Center (NCC), the Internet of Things (IoT) revealed that just before the partial disturbance, which occurred at 11:21Hrs on the 4th of February, Sapele Steam & Egbin Substations lost a total of 29.32MW & 343.84MW at 11:20:14Hrs and 11:20:17Hrs respectively, totaling 373.16MW.”

 

According to her, this combined with the current low power generation caused by the imbalance leads to partial system disturbance.

 

“Gas constraints continue to impact grid flexibility and stability. Ensuring sufficient gas supply to power generating stations is crucial for grid stability as sufficient generation allows for better grid management in sudden generation losses like this. TCN will investigate the cause of the tripping of Sapele Steam & Egbin power generating units.

 

Earlier Nigeria has been thrown into total darkness following the partial disturbance of the national grid system.

 

It was reliably gathered that the national grid collapsed at about 11:21 hours on the 4th of February 2024, leading to the current nationwide power outage.

 

As a result of the grid collapse, electricity distribution companies suffered total system failure with a promise that power would be restored as soon as the grid was stabilized.

 

Several cities including the nation’s capital, Abuja, are currently in darkness following the incident that occurred on Sunday morning.

 

According to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, announced on Sunday that the collapse occurred at around 11 a.m.

 

“The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, AEDC, wishes to inform its valued customers that the power outage being experienced is a result of a system failure from the national grid at 11:21 hours today, 4th February 2024 which has led to a nationwide power outage,” the company said.

 

“Rest assured that we are working with the relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid is stabilized. We appeal for your patience,” it said.

 

The last grid failure occurred less than two months after the national grid system collapsed in December 2023.

 

 

Dominica Nwabufo

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