On-going efforts to end the incessant collapse of the national grid and stabilise electricity supply will take a minimum of three weeks, VEACITY DESK [veracitydesk.com] can confirm.
The grid collapsed twice this week alone –first on Tuesday and second on Thursday- making a total of 11 this year.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN),which has responsibility for evacuating electric power generated by the electricity generating companies (GenCos) and wheeling it to distribution companies (DisCos),has already identified three hubs said to be the main sources of the grid collapse.
These are Shiroro in Niger State, Jebba and Ganmo in Kwara State, all of which are said to have been recording abnormal activities including high frequency.
Heavy equipment to aid engineers in rectifying the situation are being moved to the hubs, according to the Executive Director, Transmission Services Provider of the TCN,Engineer Gbenga Ajiboye.
Ajiboye said by phone that the equipment were being moved from substations under construction across the country to the three hubs.
Before noon yesterday, electricity supply had been restored to some parts of the country following Thursday’s grid collapse.
The Independent System Operator (ISO) of the TCN confirmed yesterday that the GenCos had produced 1,844MW by 4pm.
The TCN Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah, attributed the Thursday grid collapse to a sudden surge in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz at 11.29am on the day.
She said:”The frequency spike 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.
“This includes the 330kV 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.
“Furthermore, following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, we have begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system.
“Efforts are 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.
“We acknowledge the impact of these disruptions and ask for the understanding and patience of the public during this challenging period.
“TCN remains committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply, recognizing the vital role that stable power plays in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“We assure the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the grid’s long-term stability, in line with the recommendations of the investigative committee, while also addressing infrastructure damage such as vandalized transmission lines.”
Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, on Wednesday received the report on the national grid from a six-man committee in Abuja.
He said owing to the financial implications of the recommendations he would request funding through a supplementary budget or in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
“There will be an amended report after this meeting, which will help me to submit to Mr. President,” Adelabu said.
“Because all these have financial implications, it must be so recognised for inclusion in the 2025 budget.
“We will not wait until then for it to start implementation. Whatever we can actually cover within our 2025 budget now, and even if it is possible, a supplementary budget. Because it is a national issue, and must be so addressed.”
The minister blamed the incessant grid collapse on vandalisation of electricity and aging infrastructure.
He also said lack of maintenance in the past was responsible for the problem.
He said although it was not a pleasant development for the country to record frequent grid collapse, it was commendable that the TCN technical team always responds swiftly to restore power within 24 hours.
He said: “What we desire is that we should arrest the situation and that it should not happen at all. And that is why we are here.”
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Nafisat Ali, who is also the Executive Director Independent System Operator, urged the Federal Government review relaying philosophy and setting, particularly at critical nodes as an interim measure.
The committee also recommended that government should enhance the capacity development for Maintenance and System Operator (SO) staff.
The committee, according to her, also recommended the testing of existing equipment at the critical nodes to establish reliability, develop a framework and adopt reliability-centered maintenance.
Other recommendations of the committee include: identification of “critical ongoing projects for speedy completion (low hanging fruits); enhancing distribution network and capacity; decentralisation of grid management; implementation of full Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Telecommunication upgrade across the network; modernisation of grid infrastructure; adoption of the use of ring-fenced network.
Lagos invites bids for 4GW gas-fired power plants amid grid failures
Amid the fluctuations in power supply, the Lagos State Government has formally invited bids from investors, independent power producers, and energy solution companies to develop up to 4GW gas-fired power plants.
The state currently receives only 2GW from the national grid, 4GW short of its minimum demand of 6GW.
The state government has designated four hubs for power station construction under its Clean Lagos Electricity Market plan to address this deficit.
Lagos Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said: “The minimum expected generating capacity for each of the four hubs will be 500MW, which one or more generating power firms shall generate.”
Companies selected through the bidding process will be expected to secure their funding, based on a power purchase agreement with the state.
