Michael James
03 May 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos – The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has said the solution to the problem in the Nigerian Electricity Industry (NESI) is to have commensurate investment done on various distribution networks nationwide, as is being done through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme.
“Although the Nigerian Electricity Industry (NESI) is still facing liquidity problem, the only way its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme can give maximum benefit to the nation, is if a commensurate investment is done on the various distribution networks nationwide,” TCN said in statement.
The statement signed by TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, explained that poorly maintained distribution network is currently destroying transmission equipment on a daily basis, adding that the lack of investment in distribution network is more problematic anytime there is heavy rainfall.
She added that TCN was aware of the various locations where it still had constraints but “this is being addressed with the various installations under the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme. TCN looks forward to working in harmony with other sector players to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from these investments in its network.”
Meanwhile, TCN said it has completed the installation of five new power transformers which include a 60MVA transformer at Bida Substation, another 60MVA in Suleija Substation both in Niger State, 2X60MVA at New Haven Substation in Enugu State and 60MVA in Zaria Substation in Kaduna State.
The company said it has also completed the upgrading of a 45MVA power transformer to 60MVA in Suleja Substation, Niger State.
TCN stated that the transformers have been energised and are supplying the various communities where they are located, noting that they add to the several transformers, substations and lines completed across the country either by TCN in-house engineers or by contractors, and are ready for official commissioning by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
Mrs Mbah said with the additional power transformers in TCN’s substations, power supply rationing recently experienced by customers of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company around Odogunyon and Ikorodu as well as customers of Enugu Distribution Company around Enugu, Nkanu and Aninri will be a thing of the past as these areas will experience improved power supply. Also, customers of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company around Suleja, Zaria and Bida will also experience improved power supply.
