Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has attributed to the incessant collapse of the national grid on persistent vandalism and low gas supply, saying that unstable gas supply was affecting power generation into the nation’s electricity grid.
The company said notes that it remains committed to managing the grid and ensuring grid stability amidst ongoing challenges, stating that it has stationed skilled operators and grid controllers who work day and night to balance the grid and prevent any kind of disturbance amidst challenges.
TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said efforts was ongoing by the federal government to address the root causes of low gas supply, noting that the Minister of Power has had meetings with generating companies and gas companies to secure a higher volume of gas supply and consistency for enhanced power generation.
Mbah also disclosed that five significant vandalism attacks also disrupted transmission in the last three months and called on members of the public, especially those living close to TCN towers across the country, to join hands with TCN in safeguarding power transmission towers and cables.
“As efforts to stabilize gas supply progress, TCN emphasizes the importance of consistent gas availability to sustain optimal power generation and facilitate easier grid management, reducing system disturbances. It is a fact that low power generation substantially increases grid fragility.
“In addition to gas supply challenges, TCN faces various sector-specific hurdles, some impact other players in the value chain, but invariably affect grid stability.
“Vandalism is a persistent challenge, as clearly seen in the first quarter of 2024 alone, in which five significant vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations, necessitating emergency repairs and, in some cases, complete tower reconstruction and/or transmission line replacement due to acts of vandalism. These highlight the critical need for increased community support and vigilance in protecting transmission infrastructure.
“TCN urges heightened vigilance, for now, particularly in the Zuba area, following alerts of a planned attack on TCN facilities in Zuba. We implore residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power facilities in the area to safeguard the integrity of our infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to all.”