Transmission network has 54,995MW capacity, 333 lines nationwide —TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that its transmission infrastructure has a total capacity of 54,995 megawatts (MW) across 333 transmission lines throughout the country.

Engineer Godwin Aguiyi, General Manager of Operations at TCN, highlighted that the company’s transmission network spans approximately 17,636 kilometres nationwide, emphasising the significance of its operations within the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Aguiyi explained that TCN’s operational structure currently consists of 10 regions, 31 sub-regions across 10 work centres, and is supported by nearly 960 staff members nationwide. 

The company’s responsibilities include managing switching operations, monitoring the network and equipment, controlling the system, managing outages, coordinating maintenance, and issuing permits for planned outages and related activities.

He noted that while transmission plays a crucial role in the electricity value chain, it remains ineffective if its benefits are not experienced by consumers.

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He stated: “The backbone of the electricity network is the prerequisite for every other function. You can generate all the power you can generate, but if it doesn’t reach the end consumer, it has no impact.”

The general manager also mentioned that the unbundling of the company, which led to the establishment of the Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO), has enabled TCN to preserve its operational structure and protect its transmission assets.

Meanwhile, NISO operates as a neutral regulator and grid controller within the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors.

He emphasised the need for increased responsibility, better system management, and continuous investment in the transmission network.