TCN Transfers Market and System Functions to Newly Established Entity

In a bid to revitalize Nigeria’s power sector, President Bola Tinubu, in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has introduced sweeping reforms by unveiling the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO). This significant restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the country’s energy landscape. The decision was formalized through an official order signed by TCN’s Chairman, Mr. Sanusi Garba, and Vice Chairman, Mr. Muslim Oseni, in Abuja on Saturday. Under the directives outlined in the order, TCN will undergo a comprehensive transfer of all market and system operation functions to the newly established NISO. This realignment of responsibilities is in accordance with the stipulations set forth in the Electricity Act 2023, aimed at providing a more streamlined approach to the management of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Previously, TCN held critical licenses, including Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and System Operations (SO) licenses issued by NERC. With the inception of NISO, TCN will divest its market and system operation assets and liabilities to the newly formed entity, allowing for a sharper focus on its core transmission functions. To facilitate this transition, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has been tasked with overseeing the incorporation of a private company limited by shares under the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) by May 31. This entity, named the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO), will assume full responsibility for market and system operation functions as outlined in the Electricity Act and TCN’s system operation license. NISO’s mandate encompasses the efficient management of assets and liabilities associated with market and system operations on behalf of market participants and consumer groups. Furthermore, the newly established ISO will play a crucial role in negotiating contracts for ancillary services with independent power producers and generation licensees, ensuring the stability and reliability of Nigeria’s national grid.

TCN Debunks National Blackout Report

*Says It’s False, Misleading The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has debunked a report alleging that there would be a nationwide electricity blackout as false and misleading. A statement signed by TCN’s management, insisted that the statement was baseless and mischievous.   “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication by Daily Post alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading. “The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such a statement,” the management said. The company assured Nigerians that “the nation’s grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centres nationwide. “As at when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational. “We would appreciate that reports are made with a sense of responsibility not just to cause panic,” the company added.

Don’t Expect Stable Power After Vandalizing Electricity Grid, TCN Tells Nigerians

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, stating that the persistent vandalism of its installations has put the stability of the national electricity grid in jeopardy. In a statement posted on its official social media account, the TCN expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which its facilities are being vandalized across the country.  The company firmly stated that Nigerians should brace themselves for an unstable electricity grid if this destructive trend continues. The TCN did not mince words when it criticized the general public for allowing vandals to run rampant, emphasizing that the consequences of this negligence would directly impact grid stability and expansion. TCN said: “The rate of vandalism of TCN’s installations nationwide is becoming alarming. We cannot eat our cake and still have it. We cannot continue to vandalize power infrastructure or look the other way when such activities are ongoing and expect grid stability and expansion.” This warning comes in the wake of concerning reports revealing the extent of the damage caused by vandals. Between January 2022 and September 2023, a total of 108 power transmission towers were destroyed. Additionally, in May, nine TCN transmission towers were vandalized in Ogun State. These incidents have occurred in various regions, including Benin, Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and Kano. Notably, some of these attacks have been attributed to the Boko Haram terrorist group, further highlighting that the issue extends beyond mere theft and accidents, constituting a deliberate act of sabotage against the nation’s power infrastructure.

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.