TCN: National grid restored after collapse

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the national grid has been restored after its collapse on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

The Star had reported that the national grid collapsed on Sunday, throwing Nigerians into a blackout.

It was gathered that power generation on the national grid crashed to zero megawatts at about 1 p.m. on Sunday.

However, TCN, in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Sunday, said the company initiated immediate restoration of the affected part of the grid.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria, hereby states that the grid experienced a partial disturbance at about 11:21hrs with Ibom power islanded feeding Eket, Ekim, Itu, and Uyo transmission substations, during the period of partial disturbance,” Mbah stated.

Blackout as national grid collapses

She said prior to the incident, total generation on the grid was 3,901.25 Mega Watts (MW) at 8 a.m., a little over three hours before time of partial collapse.

She added: “It is important to note that low power generation has persisted since January to date, exacerbating daily due to the lingering gas constraint.

“According to the National Control Centre (NCC), the Internet of Things (IoT) revealed that just before the partial disturbance, which occurred at Sapele, Steam and Egbin Substations lost 29.32MW and 343.84MW at 11:20:14 hrs and 11:20:17hrs respectively, totalling 373.16MW.

“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. Ensuring sufficient gas supply to power generating stations is crucial for grid stability.”

Mbah noted that sufficient generation allows for better grid management in the event of sudden generation losses.

She stated that TCN would investigate the cause of tripping of Sapele Steam and Egbin power generating units.

The Star