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Tag: TCN

  • TCN fails to send out 72.01MW

    TCN fails to send out 72.01MW

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has again failed to wheel 72.01megawatts (MW) out of the 3,556.70MW, generated by the generation companies (Gencos).

    The data obtained from the Federal Ministry of Power, posted on its website yesterday, indicated that TCN could only evacuate 3,484.69MW of the total generated power on October 2. The statistic also showed that the sector recorded peak generation of 3,888.40MW the same day.

    TCN on September 28 recorded a wheeling gap of 71.6MW from the 3,449.85MW that the Gencos produced.

    Although the company claimed that it has a guaranteed 6,000MW capacity, it has maintained an evacuation gap, which the generation and distribution companies (Discos) finger as one of the reasons the sector still lags behind in terms of power supply.

    The position of the Discos was evident between September 15 and 19 when the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) were on strike and the TCN could not wheel the generated energy.

    When asked to account for the gap, the TCN General Manager (Public Affairs), Mrs. Seun Olagunju, told The Nation on the phone that it was due to the fire outbreak at the transmission station in Apo, Abuja.

    This is in tandem with what the Chairman, Heirs Holdings Ltd and Transcorp, Mr. Tony Elumelu, said on September 10 that in the country, one of the biggest challenges to power generation was transmission.

    He was quoted in a statement by the Communications Manager (Marketing & Corporate Communications), Bolanle Omisore, as saying that “while Ughelli Power Plant generated at full capacity for the first time in July, we’ve been asked to scale down generation because of the outdated transmission systems. For every 100MW generated and sent to transmission companies, 40 per cent is lost, in part because of this infrastructure issue.”

    But Mrs. Olagunju  explained that it is easier to blame government-owned TCN, being the only publicly- owned entity in the power value chain, insisting that in the history of the Nigerian power sector, it has never generated power beyond the company’s wheeling capacity of 6,000MW.

    She debunked Elumelu’s statement, saying it is not true.

    “It is easier to blame TCN because it is the only government-owned company in the sector. Nigeria has never generated up to 5,000MW and TCN has a guaranteed capacity of 6,000MW. We can evacuate 6,000MW if they can generate it,” she said.

  • TCN records 71.66Mw evacuation gap

    TCN records 71.66Mw evacuation gap

    • Claims 6,000Mw capacity 

    Of the 3,449.85Mega Watts  which the electricity generation companies produced as at September 28, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) sent out 3,378.19MW, according to the statistics published by the Federal Ministry of Power on its website.

    As to why the remaining 71.66MW could not be evacuated, the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Seun Olagunju, said the gap was due to the fire outbreak at the Apo, Abuja transmission station,  adding that the station has been restored .

    She said the company has a “guaranteed 6,000MW capacity.”

    The spokesman was then asked to respond to the claim of the Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who had on September 10, said that in Nigeria, one of the biggest challenges to power generation is transmission.

    He was quoted in a statement by the Communications Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Bolanle Omisore as saying that “in fact, while Ughelli Power Plant generated at full capacity for the first time in July, we’ve been asked to scale down generation because of the outdated transmission systems. For every 100MW generated and sent to transmission companies, 40 per cent is lost, in part because of this infrastructure issue.”

    But Olagunju explained that it is easier to blame government owned TCN, which is the only government owned entity in the power value chain, stating that in the history of the Nigeria power sector, it has never generated power beyond the company’s wheeling capacity 6,000MW.

    The spokesman debunked Elumelu’s statement and maintained “That is not true. But it is easier to blame TCN because it is the only government owned company in the sector. Nigeria has never generated up to 5,000MW and TCN has a guarantee capacity of 6,000MW. We can evacuate 6,000MW if they can generate it.”

  • Kwankwaso, NERC, TCN chiefs for WorldStage confab

    KANO State Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), c, and Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Mack Kast, among others, have confirmed participation in the fourth WorldStage National Electricity Power Conference.

    According to the organisers of the conference, the event has been rescheduled to hold on October 23, from the September date earlier announced. But the venue remains Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos. The date was shifted to accommodate more requests for participation.

    The event will be chaired by President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCL), Alhaji Aderemi Ismaila Bello; Amadi is expected to deliver a paper titled: ‘Commitment of NERC towards regulation and effective consumer’s right on electricity supply chain’  and the TCN boss will speak on ‘TCN: Meeting the electricity transmission capacity for Nigeria post-privatisation.’

    Governor Kwankwaso, whose state has achieved commendable progress in power generation through independent power projects (IPPs) for economic development, will share his experience with participants at the forum.

    The President/Chief Executive Officer, World Stage Limited, Mr. Segun Adeleye, said with about 30 million households in Nigeria still without access to electricity even liberalised electricity power sector, it is crucial for stakeholders to meet to address the challenges facing the power sector.

    He said: “The challenges that surfaced with the new dispensation are numerous but not un-surmountable.” He listed these to include the rising activities of vandals who burst gas pipelines and other power transmission equipment; high level of power theft and meter bypassing; gas supply limitation; revenue collection; transmission wheeling capacity; funding model for transmission; expected declaration of Transition Electricity Market; lack of accurate data on power demand of the entire country; non-alignment of the entire value chain of power generation, transmission and distribution; security of investment; right pricing and efficient usage of available electricity; paucity of fund for transmission facility upgrade and replacement of aging 132KV lines.

    “As banks invested about N750 billion in the power sector since its privatisation, it’s imperative that the security of this huge exposure rests squarely on stakeholders to ensure success of the privatisation process,” he said.

  • NERC seeks autonomy for market operators

    NERC seeks autonomy for market operators

    • Govt to unbundle TCN during transition market

    The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is canvassing for the removal of the Market Operator (MO) and System Operator (SO) as units in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    According to NERC, the market operators deserve autonomy to function properly.

    NERC’s General Manager, Marketing and Rates, Abdulkadir  Shetima who made a presentation on the Transition Electricity Market (TEM) in a capacity building workshop for energy correspondents at the weekend in Abuja, argued that the operators require independence from the TCN.

    He said: “There is no independence of MO and SO. They seek approvals from the TCN. We have issued licenses to TCN to unbundle them and that will be done during TEM.”

    Under the present Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005, the TCN is run through a management contract by the Minitoba Hydro International of Canada.

    According to him, besides inadequate generation capacity, there is currently lack of clarity in electricity contracting framework.

    He lamented that inadequate tariff contributes to distribution companies (DISCOs) inability to meet their obligations.

    Shetima said shadow trading has become necessary in order to identify any errors and gaps to enable resolution ahead of TEM “in the next couple of months.”

    He submitted that before the TEM, there must be a cost reflective tariff for the industry and adequate securitisation arrangements must also be put in place.

    The General Manager argued that there should be effective monitoring of licenses particularly TCN and DISCOs to ensure minimisation of losses and improvement in customer service delivery.

    But Shetima, who presented the analysis of shadow trading of the TEM since September 1, said “all trading arrangement during TEM will be consummated through contracts. The MO shall develop a market procedure for the management of inadequate supply and shortage conditions. The commission will constitute the initial market surveillance panel.”

    According to him, all the conditions precedent to the declaration of TEM have been attained in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) except the formalisation of the trading arrangements (vesting contracts) between participating companies, which is now in process.

    Shettima said  the development, implementation and testing by the SO of the systems and procedures required to implement the grid codes is also still in process.

    The General Manager explained that at the moment, NESI has attained 100 per cent metering at the wholesale point.

    Shettima also said the law on the privatisation of the electricity DISCOs  and electricity generation companies (GENCOs) stipulates that no company shall hold more than one DISCO or GENCO.

    The law, he said, states that no particular company shall hold more than 30 to 40 per cent of the shares in the electricity market in order to avoid monopoly.

  • Ajaokuta chairman supports TCN

    The Chairman, Ajaokuta Local Government Area and Kogi State chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Aloysius Okino, has said his administration will support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to improve electricity supply to the area.

    The chairman spoke at the weekend during the inauguration of the 30MWA,132/33KV “MOBITRA” transformer and the commissioning of the newly constructed 3x33KV feeder-bays built in-house at the Ajaokuta-2, 132/33KV substation.

    According to Okino, his  involvement and financial contribution were borne out of the belief that Ajaokuta was the power base of the nation.

    He noted that the presence of two of the newly constructed Independent power plants (Geregu 1&2) should guarantee efficient electricity to the local government and its environ.

    He praised the management of the TCN for their hard work, commitment to duty and prudent management of resources which he said was responsible for the timely completion of the projects.

    He promised that his council and the people of the area would continue to protect PHCN installations in the area, assuring that adequate security arrangement has been put in place to secure their equipment.

    The Director in-charge of the Abuja TCN, who was represented by Isaac Okpe, praised the chairman for his assistance towards the completion of the project.

    While maintaining that the TCN will ensure uninterrupted power supply to  Nigerians, the director noted that work has reached advanced stage to hook Adogo, headquarters of Ajaokuta LGA to the Ajaokuta substation.

    Balogun A. O, an engineer,  noted that the newly commissioned 3x33KV feeder-bays was designed to feed the Adogo/Eganyi community, the West African Ceramics Company and Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

  • TCN: snake caused power disruption

    TCN: snake caused power disruption

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said power supply disruption experienced in parts of Benin City and environs was because a two meter snake tripped off transformer T23 at the Benin switchyard.

    It said this put Nekpennekpen, Ikpoba dam and Akoko feeders out of power supply.

    A statement by TCN Public Affairs Manager, Rufus Imafidon, said power supply has been restored to the affected areas. He apologised for the inconveniences.

  • Trapped snake causes power disruption, says TCN

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said power supply disruption recently experienced in parts of Benin City and environs was because a two meter snake trapped in  transformer T23 at the Benin switchyard.

    It said the snake  put Nekpennekpen, Ikpoba dam and Akoko feeders out of power supply.

    A press statement signed by TCN Public Affairs Manager, Elder Rufus Imafidon said normal power supply have been restored to the affected areas and expressed regrets over inconveniences caused by the power interruption.

    Elder Rufus said the inauguration of a 3x33KV feeders at Ajaokuta 132/33KV transmission sub-station has helped to improved power supply to all parts of Kogi State.

    He said the facility was constructed and installed at a cost of N60m.

    The statement added that only Lokoja and Anyigba feeders were on ground before the installation of the 3x33KV feeders.

  • TCN plans $8b investment for 20,000Mw

    Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said it plans to inject $8 billion to upgrade its operations to achieve 20,000 megawatts (Mw)  electricity supply in the country.

    Receiving members of the Senate Committee on Privatization, led by its Chairman, Senator Olugbenga Obadara who visited the company’s regional office in Oshogbo last week, its Executive Director (ED), Mohammed Shaike  said the TCN would work jointly with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to achieve the target.

    Its Head, Public Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe in a statement explained that the  Senators were told that in TCN’s manegement’s determination to develop the technical manpower of the company, the Management Contractors-Manitoba International had trained some of the technical workers abroad to acquire technical and strategic skills.

    Its General Manager, Mr. M.J. Lawal said the company’s power lines accommodate a maximum voltage of 330kv and that its transmission coverage extends to Benin and Niger Republics.

    He said despite the low power generation from the generating companies, plans were on to upgrade the transmission lines to accommodate more voltage to distribute to the distribution companies.

    Lawal listed the challenges faced by the company to include; poor office accommodation, lack of safety facilities and lack of training for the technical staff.

    Responding, Senator Obadara decried the low level of investment in power generation resulting in unstable and unreliable power supply in the country.

    At the Nigeria Machine Tools (NMT) Limited, its Managing Director, Mr. Norbert Chukumah gave a brief history of the company which includes the production of spare parts based on specifications.

    He said since privatisation in 2007, the company had embarked on massive rehabilitation and upgrade of its facilities to bring it to modern standards.

    Senator  Obadara urged the management of the firm to take the company to the capital market to raise more funds for its operations.

  • Fed Govt explores models forTCN’s privatisation

    Fed Govt explores models forTCN’s privatisation

    • Eyes transmission of 20,000Mw by 2020

    The Federal Government is looking at various privatisation models to adopt in selling the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to private investors. Its being managed by Manitoba Hydro International Limited of Canada,

    Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said the Federal Government will not falter on its resolution to privatise the value chain of the power sector.

    He spoke on the sideline of a ceremony in Lagos to mark receipt of 248 containers of power equipment abandoned at dry ports in some parts of the country.

    Although Prof Nebo did not give specific timeline for the privatisation of the transmission, he said the government is looking at various models, including full privatisation, regional privatisation and concessioning models.

    He, however, explained that it would not be done in one fell swoop as was the case of generation and distribution companies to avoid undue post-privatisation challenges, stressing that if there are enough generation and distribution capacities without adequate transmission capacity, Nigerians will still not get power, so government wants to get it right from the beginning.

    He said: “The power sector timetable is on course but there are teething problems we are encountering. Nigeria took on a huge privatisation exercise. No country in the world has done the volume of privatisation of utilities that Nigeria has done, and which was done in very transparent process. So coming out of that is not easy. For instance, without privatisation, these 248 containers probably will still be there. No private industry will allow that to happen, they will take delivery on the spot and get to work.

    “But with privatisation, at least we are sure that with regard to generation and distribution, we have private companies and TCN is being managed by an international organisation, Manitoba Hydro International. With this you can see we are stationed for eventual handing over all of these to those who know how to do business and it is private companies that know how to do business. Government should be an enabler.

    “I cannot tell you privatisation period but now we are looking at various models. There are models of full privatisation, models of regional privatisation and there are models of concessioning. We are looking at all these. What is amazing and encouraging is the massive inflow of those who want to come and invest in TCN. If people didn’t believe in Nigeria or its buoyant economic stance, nobody will be coming to this country.

    “People are coming in droves to invest, which is not an indication of a country that is failing or does not take care of its people. So government is doing everything possible to attracting these businesses and if they come they don’t go back. But when it comes to transmission, government needs to think through it and maybe not do it in one fell swoop as we did generation and distribution.”

     

     

     

     

     

    TCN’s Managing Director, Mack Kast, said the firm is committed to doubling the firm’s capacity. “It is our goal to double the capacity of TCN. It is our expectation that by the year 2020 we will have the capacity to evacuate 20,000 megawatts (MW) to 30,000 MW of power. There will be a huge leap forward for Nigeria and the President’s dream to reform the power sector,” he said.

     

  • TCN to transmit 6,000MW by December, says minister

    TCN to transmit 6,000MW by December, says minister

    •Market Operator receives N11b for power purchase

    The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo yesterday told the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hat it has no excuse for failing to transmit 6,000Mega Watts ( Mw) of electricity by December this year.

    The minister said since he had received assurance from TCN that it has the capacity to  wheel any generated power, the assurance must transcend semantics to reality.

    He gave this marching order in Abuja, during the commissioning of the TCN,  Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIPSS)/PowerCollect Operations and Command Centre.

    The minister noted that the new board of the TCN has been focused but the ministry was however worried about the capacity to transmit generated power.

    Nebo said: “The board of the TCN has given the leadership that is focused. And  the new management of the TCN has also been  focused to make sure we move ahead. A lot needs to be done and we are deeply concerned about the capacity of the TCN to deliver the power that is generated.

    “ We keep getting reassurances and assurances that the capacity is there. But we will want to make sure that this is realistic and this is experiential, not just something done on paper but something we can really experience.

    “Because we have no excuse for failing to have enough physical, tangible, palpable, wheeling power of 6,000Mw  by December this year.”

    Commenting on the PowerCollect Operation Command Centre, he assured the Market Operator (MO) of support, adding that the ministry welcomes  fresh initiatives.

    The minister urged  stakeholders to cooperate and comply with all the rules and requirements necessary for the success of the project.

    NIPSS partner, Mr. Biodun Ogundipe said it is a firm that is jointly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all other  banks in the country.

    He said “it was a good thing that on the 13th of June, we cleared the outstanding balance that was due for the market operators that is N11 billion.”

    The partner said the payment was an eye-opener of how transparent and reliable the operation will now be.

    The MO, Engr. Ngozi Osahon, said the new system-power collect operation was predicated on the fact that the power industry will now need billions of dollars of investment to achieve its 40000Mw target by 2020.

    She explained that NIBSS-Power Collect is an Automated Revenue Lifecycle Management System that will enable the MO and all players in the electricity value chain ensure equitable revenue collection and splitting.

    The Osahon stressed said it will give the MO the tools it requires for market price stability; the NERC the tools it requires for an effective regulation of the sector; the ministry the oversight it requires for effective monitoring of the sector; and all market participants the transparency required for mutual trust, and increased efficiency.

    She added that the next step stage after the privatisation of the sector is sustainability of the market that is hinged on continuous investment by both local and domestic operators.

    According to her, in the privatised setting, the MO has been made the administrator of the market in the interim and has taken on the arduous but  important task of ensuring that the market overcomes all the challenges, adding that it’s well positioned towards attaining its 40,000Mw 2020 traget. She said: “Like the rest of the world, we are at a crossroads where traditional solutions to fundamental problems no longer cut in; we have to  dig deep and come up with revolutionising technological solutions. Solutions so conceivable yet so efficient that it shocks the world. A solution globally accepted yet tailored to the Nigerian market and its specific problems.

    “It is in the quest for such a solution, one of the global standard but also that is customised to meet the unique needs of the local environment that the MO, working closely with the NIBSS has developed and hereby present to the market, the NIBSS PowerCollect Platform!”