AEDC Alerts On Blackout As TCN Explains System Collapse  

Scene of system collapse

By CLEMENT NWOJI, Abuja

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has alerted its franchise customers of blackout just as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) explained that the National Grid experienced a system collapse Sunday at 9.10am due to high voltage following massive drop of load by the electricity distribution companies.

The AEDC General Manager, Corporate Communications, Babs Fadipe, has in a terse text message stated, “Good morning all. Please be informed that as a result of a grid system outage at 09:10am, there has been loss of electricity supply in the entire coverage area of AEDC.” The franchise areas include the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Nasarawa and Kogi States electricity consumers.

However, the TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, while attributing the cause of the system collapse to “massive drop of load by the electricity distribution companies”, disclosed that the high voltage also caused a fire incident in the 75MXreactor in the Benin Substation, Sapele Road in Benin City, Edo State.

According to her in a statement, “The massive load drop led to high voltage in the system, which shattered the lightning arrester in close proximity to the 75MX Reactor in Benin Substation.

“The shattered lightning arrester porcelain hit the reactor bushing causing further explosion on the reactor resulting in fire outbreak.
Restoration of the Grid commenced immediately and as at 1.30pm, bulk power supply to most parts of the nation had been restored.

“The Management of TCN commends the efforts and support of the Government of Edo State and Benin Electricity Distribution Company as well as the Fire Service in putting out the fire and restoring normal power supply.

“Meanwhile the Management has commenced the movement of another reactor to Benin City to replace the burnt reactor and ensure voltage stability in the City as well as prevent a re-occurrence.

“Management would also ensure a review of the entire protection and earthing system nationwide. This is done in addition to the overall upgrading of the system through the TREP program being financed by multi-lateral donors.

“The installation of 3no reactors on the Ikot- Ekpene- Ugwuaji –Jos line has reached an advance stage. It is expected that once these three reactors are installed and commissioned, the grid would be further stabilized.

“TCN Management wishes to assure Nigerians that it is doing everything possible to modernize, upgrade and stabilize the National Grid.”