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Nigeria thrown into darkness as national grid collapses again

Recovery ongoing to stabilize grid-TCN

.As Ekiti govt licenses 3 DisCos, 4 GenCos for off-grid power supply

 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says recovery process is ongoing to stablise the national grid which experienced a disturbance at 11.29am on Thursday.

Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs, said this in a statement in Abuja.

Mbah said that the grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29am on Thursday morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.

She said that recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja axis was restored within 28 minutes.

According to her, the spike in frequency was caused by issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications.

”In addition to this, we are actively engaged in significant repair work on several critical transmission lines and substations.

”These includes the 330 Kilo Volt (kV) transmission lines along the Shiroro–Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV transmission line, ”she said.

Mbah said that following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, TCN had begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system.

She said that efforts were being made to close the gaps highlighted in the report and to enhance the overall stability and resilience of the grid.

”These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions, based on the committee’s recommendations.

”However, it is important to note that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed.

”The TCN acknowledges the impact of these disruptions and asks for the understanding and patience of the public during this challenging period,”she said.

Mbah said that the company remained committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply, recognisng the vital role that stable power plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

She assured the public that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the grid’s long-term stability.

Mbah said that the measures were in line with the recommendations of the investigative committee, while also addressing infrastructure damage such as vandalised transmission lines.

.Off-grid power supply: Ekiti govt licenses 3 DisCos, 4 GenCos

In a move to pull Ekiti State out of the failing national grid, the government has issued licenses to three electricity distribution companies (DisCos), four generation companies (GenCos), and two mini-grid generation companies.
The initiative aligns with the 2023 Electricity Law, which empowers states to decentralize the electricity market and better meet local energy needs.
Gov. Biodun Oyebanji announced this development in a post on his official X-handle on Thursday.
He also disclosed that the state has licensed five-meter asset providers to help generate and distribute 130 MW of electricity to its residents.
To reduce reliance on the national grid and promote sustainable, locally managed energy solutions, electricity investors got a total of 14 licenses.
Oyebanji highlighted that the move will address local energy needs while stimulating the state’s electricity market growth.
He stated: “I am pleased to share an update on the progress we are making in Ekiti towards achieving energy independence.

“We have granted operational licenses to 14 electricity investors, which include:
3 distribution companies
4 generation companies
2 mini-grid generation companies, and
5 meter asset providers.
“This strategic move will enhance power generation, ensure efficient distribution, and provide reliable metering for our residents.
“Currently, Ekiti receives approximately 20–25 MW from the national grid, which falls short of our estimated requirement of 120 MW.
“Our goal is to reach 130 MW through a robust state grid, reducing our dependency on the national supply and promoting sustainable, locally managed energy solutions.”

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