Another system collapse hits power sector in two days

Nigeria’s power sector has recorded yet another system collapse in two days.

The first drop was recorded on the 2nd of January, 2018 as a result of a fire outbreak at the Lagos Escravos pipeline.

Just as efforts were being made to restore the system, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced another system collapse at about 02:19pm on Wednesday.

The Company in a statement issued on Wednesday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mba, said preliminary information from NCC indicated that the tripping of Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV line, cut off generation from Odukpani Power Station to the grid.

It noted that the system disturbance happened at a time when work on the Western Gas Pipeline by NGC which caused the first system collapse on Tuesday, is yet to be completed.

The company maintained that the grid would have withstood the Odukpani infraction, if generation along Lagos Region were available.

“Restoration of the grid has reached advanced stage. TCN has also commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance and the outcome will publicised,” it said.

Meanwhile, the company reported that the NGC has mobilized a contractor to reconstruct the affected segment of the Western Gas Pipeline, so that gas supply to Omotosho, Egbin, and Olorunsogo I and II can be restored.

It said: “According to NGC the work would be carried out day and night and is expected to be completed within 24 hours.

“TCN noted that with the support of the Federal Ministries of Power and Finance, it has embarked on the implementation of Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program that seeks to expand, rehabilitate and stabilize the Grid. TCN appealed for patience and understanding,” the statement reads.