Kunle Kalejaye 17 September 2014, Sweetcrude, Lagos – A direct lightening strike on Tuesday has led to a fire out break in the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Apo transmission substation in Abuja causing the loss of 60MVA, 132/33kv power transformer and the associated 33kv switchgear.
The incident has led to power rationing in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja metropolis including Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, Karu, Keffi, and environs.
According to a statement made available to Sweetcrude Reports by TCN management, signed by the company’s Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, the fire started after an explosive sound from the 132/33kV switchyard at about 2.40pm.
Ifabiyi in the statement explained that it was immediately noticed that the relay room and cable trenches within the control room were engulfed in smoke.
“The engineers quickly disconnected the substation from the transmission grid to forestall further damage to other equipment while the fire was successfully extinguished by the fire service,” Ifabiyi stated.
Ifabiyi also noted in the statement that TCN’s quick response engineering team has since been working assiduously, to isolate the affected 60MVA, 330/123kV power transformer and replace cables of the 2x45MVA power transformers in the substation, so that service can be restored through the 2x45MVA and 1x100MVA power transformers not affected by the fire.
The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN further noted that as soon as isolation work is completed and the cables replaced, normal transmission of electricity to distribution load centers in Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, International airport as well as Karu business units would commence.
The company also said that prior to the fire incident, the maximum distribution load required by the distribution business units that take supply from the Apo substation was 46MW stressing that with the reduced transmission capability of 190MW, their load demand will still be met.
“TCN regrets any inconvenience the incident has caused electricity customers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and thanked the Abuja fire service for its prompt response to putting out the fire,” the statement said.