Hoodlums Responsible For Recent Grid Collapse, Says Power Consumers Forum

The Nigerian Power Consumers Forum (NPCF) has attributed the recent grid collapse in the country to sabotage by criminal elements who may not have the nation’s best interests at heart, according to a statement by Mr. Michael Okoh, the Convener of the NPCF. He stated that the grid collapse was not a result of a lack of capacity on the part of the power company but rather a case of deliberate sabotage by criminals. “The fire incident at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation switchyard appears to be more of an act of sabotage on the national grid systems,” he declared. Okoh, citing power engineers with decades of experience, explained that it was highly unlikely for two power transformers situated a reasonable distance apart to catch fire simultaneously, as transformers are equipped with built-in protection systems. He suggested that saboteurs might have tampered with transformer components to disrupt the electricity flow. He pointed out that this was not the first time critical national infrastructure had been sabotaged, mentioning incidents such as oil theft damaging pipelines and hacking of power transmission towers. He expressed concerns that such incidents could tarnish the reputation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The grid collapse resulted from a fire at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation and a line snap along the 330 kV Jebba – Kainji transmission line. These events caused nationwide power outages, which Okoh believed were intended to discredit TCN’s management. Okoh noted that Niger Republic received bulk power from a 150MVA lower transformer in the Birnin Kebbi substation, underscoring the substation’s importance nationally and internationally. He called for a thorough investigation to identify and bring the saboteurs to justice. The NPCF acknowledged TCN’s efforts in maintaining grid stability for over 400 days, including the deployment of new power transformers and projects aimed at improving electricity access. The forum urged TCN to continue investing in transmission networks and safeguarding substations against further sabotage.

Grid Collapse: Power Restoration In Advanced Stages, TCN Assures

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that the national grid restoration nationwide has reached advanced stages. This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN General Manager on Public Affairs in Abuja. The company said that power supply has been restored to the West, North Central, South, East, and a large portion of the Northern parts of the country. The TCN said that grid collapsed totally at about 12.35am causing outage nationwide, after over 421 days of consistent grid stability. The company said that in the course of the grid restoration, the process initially suffered a setback but this does not amount to another collapse. “In the course of any grid restoration process, challenges may be encountered. This happened while the grid restoration was in progress, but it was promptly addressed. “It would be recalled that the last total system collapse recorded was on July 20, 2022. “Prior to this, the system had been stable in spite of the challenges posed by zero spinning reserve and lack of System Control and lack of adequate Data Acquisition (SCADA) essential to a strong and stable grid, among others,” the company said. The TCN said it has been able to maintain 400 days of grid stability because it developed and deployed in-house stop gap measures and tools that it has continued to use to manage the nations grid, ensuring its stability. The company also said that the collapse that occurred after a fire incident on the Kanji/Jebba 330 Kilo Volt line II was being investigated, with a view to forestall future occurrence and invariably further strengthen the grid.