The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) faces mounting pressure to enhance the national power grid’s reliability following repeated collapses that have caused widespread blackouts.
Key Findings:
– 162 grid collapses since 2013
– Outdated transmission infrastructure
– Lack of planned maintenance
– Economic losses for power generation and distribution companies, industries, and businesses
NERC Chairman’s Warning:
“The frequent national grid collapse is unsustainable… Immediate action is necessary to stabilize the grid,” said Engr. Sanusi Garba.
Expert Analysis:
“Nigeria’s power grid is the weakest in West Africa, serving 65% of the region’s electricity consumers without a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system,” noted Engr. John Ayodele.
Available Funds:
TCN has:
– N26 billion (Power Improvement Plan Fund)
– N30 billion (Ancillary Service Fund)
– $2.36 million (foreign sales of electricity)
Proposed Solutions:
– Unbundle TCN for efficiency
– Upgrade transmission infrastructure
– Implement SCADA system
Stakeholder Demands:
– Improved grid reliability
– Reduced economic losses
– Enhanced power supply quality
Source: Vanguard News
