The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed reports of a nationwide power grid collapse.
TCN said the power outage incident earlier today was caused by the tripping of two transmission lines, which affected the electricity supply to parts of Lagos.
TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Saturday, explained that at approximately 13:41 hours, the Osogbo-Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line.
Mbahh noted that these interruptions resulted in a temporary reduction in electricity supply to Lagos but did not amount to a total grid collapse.
The power company also added that the tripping also affected power generation from major plants, including Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras.
According to TCN, all the affected lines and plants have been restored except for the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which remains under restoration.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that the nation’s grid did not experience any collapse today, contrary to the widely published misinformation in the media,” he said.
“Earlier today, at about 13:41Hrs, the Osogbo – Ihovbor line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin – Omotosho line. These consequently affected bulk supply to only Lagos axis alone.
“It is important to clarify that at about 13:00 Hrs, today, just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63MW. After the trippings, however, generation was 2,573.23MW, showing clearly that the grid did not experience a collapse.
“The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras, but these have all been restored except for the Benin Omotosho 330kV line whose restoration is ongoing.
“As TCN continues to work hard to put in place a robust transmission grid, in spite of prevailing challenges. It is imperative that we understand the negative impact of deliberately misinforming the public and the value of disseminating true and verifiable facts.”
By Jimisayo Opanuga @TheGuardian
