BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said its remains committed to managing the grid and ensuring stability amidst ongoing challenges such as the persistent low gas supply affecting power generation into the nation’s grid.
TCN made this known in statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah on Sunday 31 March 2024.
It revealed that the grid controllers works tirelessly day and night to balance the grid and prevent any kind of disturbance amidst challenges.
According to the statement, “The recent grid disturbance on March 28, 2024, was promptly managed by our skilled operators, with power restoration achieved in some areas within 21 minutes of the disturbance”.
TCN had last Thursday 28 March disclosed the cause of the grid disturbance, noting that based on the National Control Centre (NCC) report in Osogbo, Oyo State, the system disturbance was triggered by a significant reduction in generation capacity, primarily due to gas constraints that led to a rapid decline in system frequency.
Its also reported that the imbalance in grid stability was exacerbated by the sudden tripping of Egbin generation turbine 3, resulting in an additional loss of 167MW load and the subsequent collapse of the grid.
“The grid has, however, since been recovered and is stable, and is currently transmitting all the generated power to distribution load centres nationwide”, TCN had reported.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Power for his hard work in addressing the root causes of low gas supply, TCN disclosed that the Minister has held meetings with Generating Companies (GenCos) and Gas Companies (GasCos) to secure a higher volume of gas supply and consistency for enhanced power generation.
The statement clarified, “As efforts to stabilize gas supply progress, TCN emphasized the importance of consistent gas availability to sustain optimal power generation and facilitate easier grid management, reducing system disturbances. It is a fact that low power generation substantially increases grid fragility.
“In addition to gas supply challenges, TCN faces various sector-specific hurdles, some impact other players in the value chain, but invariably affect grid stability. Vandalism is a persistent challenge, as clearly seen in the first quarter of 2024 alone, in which five significant vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations, necessitating emergency repairs and, in some cases, complete tower reconstruction and/or transmission line replacement due to acts of vandalism.
“These highlight the critical need for increased community support and vigilance in protecting transmission infrastructure”.
The Company therefore, called for heightened vigilance particularly in the Zuba area, following alerts of a planned attack on its facilities in Zuba.
“We implore residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power facilities in the area to safeguard the integrity of our infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to all.
“Again, we urge everyone, especially those living close to TCN towers nationwide, to please join hands with TCN in safeguarding power transmission towers and cables”, it stated.