The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says the collapsed national grid has been fully restored.
The sudden collapse of the national grid sent shockwaves across the country, leaving citizens and businesses grappling with the unexpected power outage. The timely response from TCN became crucial in not only identifying the root cause of the disturbance but also in implementing effective measures to restore power supply to its normal state.
According to TCN officials, the blackout was a result of a partial disturbance experienced by the grid. The intricacies of managing a national power grid involve a delicate balance of supply and demand, and any disruption can have cascading effects, leading to widespread power outages. The transparency in communication from TCN regarding the cause of the outage is a commendable step in keeping the public informed and addressing concerns surrounding the reliability of the national grid.
However, a statement subsequently issued by TCN’s Public Affairs General Manager, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the restoration of the collapsed grid.
He disclosed that the blackout was caused by partial disturbance experienced by the grid about 11:21 hours on Sunday.
The statement noted that the incident affected the Ibom power station, feeding Eket, Ekim, Itu, and Uyo transmission substations.
The restoration process undertaken by TCN showcased the resilience and expertise of the organization in managing and overcoming complex challenges within the power sector. The efficient handling of the situation highlights the importance of having a robust and responsive entity like TCN overseeing the nation’s power infrastructure.
The significance of a functional and stable power grid cannot be overstated, as electricity is the lifeblood of modern societies, driving economic activities, supporting essential services, and enhancing the overall quality of life. When disruptions occur, they serve as stark reminders of the interconnectedness of various elements within the power system and the critical role played by organizations like TCN in maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
According to Ndidi, the “TCN initiated immediate restoration of the affected part of the grid, and presently, the grid is fully restored.
“Prior to the incident, the total generation on the grid was 3,901.25 MW at 08:00 hours, a little over three hours before the time of partial collapse.”.
The company, however, noted that low power generation has persisted since “January 2024, to date, exacerbating daily 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 11:21 hrs today, Sapele Steam and Egbin Substations lost a total of 29.32MW & and 343.84 MW at 11:20:14 hrs and 11:20:17 hrs, respectively, totaling 373.16 MW.
“This, combined with the current low power generation due to gas constraints, caused the imbalance leading to the partial system disturbance.
“Gas constraints continue to impact grid flexibility and stability,” the statement added
The transparency demonstrated by TCN in promptly acknowledging the disturbance and communicating updates to the public fosters trust and confidence. In an era where information travels swiftly through various channels, the public’s understanding of the situation helps alleviate concerns and contributes to a collective sense of assurance that the issue is being addressed diligently.
The successful restoration of the collapsed national grid by the Transmission Company of Nigeria signifies a triumph over a challenging situation that temporarily disrupted power supply across the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the intricate nature of managing a national power grid and underscores the importance of a swift and efficient response from organizations like TCN. As the nation moves forward, continued investments in power infrastructure, proactive maintenance, and collaborative efforts within the power sector will be essential to safeguard against future disruptions and ensure the uninterrupted flow of electricity to homes, businesses, and essential services.
