The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)

  • NAPTIN trains 300 TCN engineers for effective service delivery

    NAPTIN trains 300 TCN engineers for effective service delivery

    National Power Training Institute of Nigeria ( NAPTIN ) has commenced training of 300 engineers of Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN ) under the international collaboration with the Association of Power Utilities of Africa ( APUA ).

    The first batch of 106 began a two-week training in Lagos with the six geo-political zones of the TCN regional workers represented.

    Mr Ahmed Nagode, the Acting Director General of NAPTIN, urged the trainees to make best use of the opportunity by ensuring that they achieved the objectives of the training.

    Nagode said the training would make the participants better industry players and also guarantee their safety at work.

    He commended the participants for their understanding and  readiness to learn.

    According to him, under the collaboration NAPTIN will train 545 staff of power utilities in Nigeria and Ghana with TCN  constituting 300 and Distribution Companies,  203, while VRA/Gridco Ghana will have 42.

    “We are privileged to be the only APUA centre of excellence in the whole of English speaking West Africa.

    “This feat was achieved because NAPTIN met the requirements of APUA for admission into the African Network of Centre of Excellence in Electricity culminating in an MOU with APUA whose dividend we are witnessing today,’’ he said.

    Nagode said the initiative would lead to enhancement of the capacity and competence of the manpower of the utilities and improvement in service  delivery.

    He said that the initiative would also serve as a means of generating foreign exchange for the country.

    He said the training programme would be in batches in order not to unsettle the smooth and scheduled operations of the utilities.

    “The first batch of 106 which we have started this week is of two trades, namely Transformer and Switch Gears Maintenance with 60 trainees and this is taking place here in Lagos,’’ Nagode said.

    He added that “the Power System Protection training of 46 staff is holding simultaneously in our Kainji Regional Training Centre, New Bussa Niger.’’

    Nagode acknowledged the Managing Director of TCN, Mr Usman Mohammed, for his invaluable support and belief in NAPTIN.

    He said Mohammed had demonstrated uncommon professionalism and leadership in his role as the Chairman of West African Power Pool (WAPP).

    “ This has enhanced the on-going WAPP initiative of developing a business model for NAPTIN Kainji as Regional Centre of Excellence,’’ he said.

    Nagode said NAPTIN would train young Nigerians who wanted to make a career in the power sector, during the year.

    He listed some of the areas of training as Distribution Substation Operation, Cable Jointing, Lines Maintenance and Electrical Fitting as well as Solar PV Installation and Maintenance.

    “We have just concluded a training collaboration with WINROCK, under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme sponsored by USAID,’’ Nagode added.

    In his remark, Mohammed, said the training would translate to best opportunities for staff in delivering effective services to the public.

    Muhammed,  represented by Mr Ifeanyi Ezeukwu, Executive Director, Human Resources of TCN, said  “ for a long while now we have not trained this level of engineers of various offices.

    “But with the support of APUA and NAPTIN we are now able to train them to impact the industry and network’’.

    He added, “at the end of the day we will be able to deliver power for Nigerians and reduce the level of restiveness in  rural areas.’’

    One of the trainees, Mr Nasiru Aliyu from TCN Kaduna region commended the management of TCN and NAPTIN for the training, adding that it would impact positively on their operations.

    NAN

  • Dan’agundi fire outbreak throws Kano into darkness

    Dan’agundi fire outbreak throws Kano into darkness

    Most parts of Kano metropolis have been thrown into darkness, following a fire outbreak at the Kofar Dan’agundi transmission station in Kano on Thursday.

    The socio-economic activities around Dan’agundi have also been paralised in the commercial city as a result of the incident.

    Mr Sani Bala-Sani, Head, Corporate Communications, Kano Electricity Distribution Company ( KEDCO ), said one of the two 60 MVA transformers in the station was burnt down.

    Bala-Sani said that the affected transformer supplied power to the central part of Kano metropolis.

    Read also: Kano Hisbah Board arrests 12 youths involved in Immorality

    According to him, the affected areas would remain in darkness until the Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN ) rectified the problem.

    “It is the responsibility of Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN ) to either repair the burnt transformer or replace it with another one,” he said.

    He, however, said KEDCO engineers had already swung into action to divert the lines of customers affected to the other transformer, pending when the TCN rectified the problem.

    “This will serve as an interim measure because all the affected areas will be on load shedding,” he said.

    He appealed to TCN to repair the transformer in good time to save the company ( KEDCO ) from losing revenue from its customers in the city.

    Bala-Sani said the appeal was necessary, recalling that the Kumbotso transmission substation which was also gutted by fire about two years ago had yet to be fixed.

    “We have a similar problem at Kumbotso transmission substation which was gutted by fire about two years ago, but has yet to be repaired,” Sani added.

    NAN

  • Reps investigate TCN’s $300m power project

    Reps investigate TCN’s $300m power project

    The Committee on Power has been mandated by the Green Chamber to probe the delay in the execution of $300 million Nigeria Electricity and Gas Improvement Project (NEGIP) by the interim management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    This was sequel to the adoption of the prayer of a motion of urgent national importance by Hon. Yunusa Abubakar (Gombe-APC) titled: “Transmission Company of Nigeria Management and the Future of the Electric Power Sector Reforms in Nigeria: The Urgent Need to Facilitate Swift Action in the Management of TCN through Investigation.”

    The lawmaker, while arguing the motion expressed concern that the TCN has not been able to implement the NEGIP project.

    His words: “The House is concerned that there was negotiation between TCN and the World Bank of the sum of 468 million dollars for the proposed Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP).

    “The project scheduled for August 29 which had been postponed due to changes made to the staffing of the Project Management Unit (PMU) for World Bank assisted projects in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).’’

    The lawmaker said that he was concerned that due to the non-compliance of the interim managing Director/CEO of TCN the changes to the PMU will not only affect the future projects but may also impact negatively on the implementation of the on-going projects.

    According to him, this may also affect the 300 million dollars Nigeria Electricity and Gas Improvement Project (NEGIP) technical assistance activities in NEGIP to support the power sector recovery programme.

    When the motion was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, it was passed without dissent by the lawmakers.

  • Non-payment of electricity bills will worsen power supply – ANED

    Non-payment of electricity bills will worsen power supply – ANED

    The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors ( ANED ) has called on Nigerians to pay their electricity bills promptly.

    It said that non-payment of electricity bills would worsen the irregular power supply in Nigeria.

    Mr Sunday Oduntan, its Executive Director (Research and Advocacy), said in a statement in Lagos that lack of steady power supply had hindered the development of the country.

    ANED is an umbrella body of the 11 power distribution companies in Nigeria.

    “If the DISCOs are not paid, their businesses will suffer and if their businesses suffer, our hope for constant electricity will be a pipe dream,” he said.

    The association said it was from the monthly electricity bills paid by Nigerians that DISCOs have to pay the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) for electricity supplies that they received.

    “NBET also pays the Generating Companies ( GENCO ) who have to pay their gas suppliers (Thermal).

    “DISCOs will pay the market operator which is Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN ) and other stakeholders for the various services that they provide.

    “Consequently, if Nigerians don’t pay their bills, it starves the entire electricity value chain of the funds needed in power.

    “Lack of funds leads to poor or no electricity supply, potential failure of the power sector and related mass unemployment and diminished prospects for national economic growth,” he said.

    Oduntan said that non-payment means that our aspiration for 24-7 power supply would continue to be just an aspiration.

    “Not paying bills by bypassing or stealing electricity means that it costs legitimate customers more to receive electricity supply.” he said.

    NAN

  • TCN explains power outage in some Lagos communities

    TCN explains power outage in some Lagos communities

    The management of Transmission Company of Nigeria ( TCN ) on Wednesday, attributed the in adequate power supply in some communities in Lagos to upgrading of its transformers at Ejigbo and Alimosho transmission sub-stations.

    Mrs Celestina Osin, the Principal Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, Lagos Region, disclosed this in an interview in Lagos.

    According to her, all these communities are under Ikeja Electric Plc.

    She said the upgrading of transformer, which commenced on Oct.16, was for five weeks or more depending on the conclusion of the project by the contractors.

    The spokesperson, however, assured that said the upgrading of the transformers would increase the load capacities of the two sub-stations.

    “At Ejigbo 132/33KV Transmission Substation, two NO 30MVA transformers are being upgraded to 100MVA transformer, so the station transformer capacity will now go from 160MVA to 300MVA.

    “Also, Alimosho 132/33KV Transmission Substation has one NO 30MVA transformer being upgraded to 100MVA. Station transformer capacity will now increase from 160MVA to 230MVA.

    “Consequently, Ejigbo 132/33KV Transmission Substation load will now increase to 240mw from 128mw.

    “At the same time, Alimosho 132/33KV Transmission Substation load will go from 128mw to 184mw,” she said.

    She said the management of TCN and Ikeja Electric Plc would work to avoid power outage, promising that s electricity supply would be given to electric consumers for some hours.

    Osin appealed to all communities affected by the irregular supply to bear with the situation, adding that the objective of the project was to serve them better.

    On Oct. 12, Ikeja Electric had in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Felix Ofulue, notified residents of Lagos communities of outage which he said would last over a month.

    Ofulue said that the effort would allow TCN to upgrade some of its transformers in Ejigbo and Akowonjo substations.

    He said Ikeja Electirc Plc would use all available channels to mitigate the negative impact of this necessary upgrade on its customers.

    The affected communities include: NNPC, Bungalow, Ori-oke, Ire-Akari, Ejigbo, Osolo, Ilamoshe Low-cost, Shasha Orisumbare, Oguntade, Foursquare and Airforce and environs.

    The others are: Alimosho, Shasha, Orelope, Akowonjo, Federal Housing Authority, Oki and Okunola and Unity, Kuwait and Olorunadaba.

    NAN

  • Reps probe TCN over $2bn loan

    Reps probe TCN over $2bn loan

    The House of Representatives has resolves to constitute an ad hoc committee to investigate the activities of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for the past 10 years in respect of foreign loans and contract awards

    The committee is to report back within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action after it is constituted.

    The resolution of the House is sequel to the passage of a motion by a member, Hon. Simon Arabo titled: “Need to Investigate the Violations of the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility and Public Procurement Acts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Over Foreign Loans of $1.5b and $500m for its Operations and Contract Processes.”

    While arguing the motion, the lawmaker noted that the privatization of the Power Sector under section 8 of the Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 gave birth to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) as one of the successor companies in the Sector.

    “Under section 9 of the Act, the TCN is wholly owned by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MFI) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) which hold the shares on its behalf

    “The TCN has taken loans amounting to $1.5B from the World Bank and other International Lenders over a period of time without complying with the provisions of section 44 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

    “Also aware that the loans were utilized without the appropriation of the National Assembly contrary to Sections 80-83 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.”

    Arabo also revealed “that TCN is currently negotiating another loan of $500M with Islamic Development Bank and has been violating the provisions of the Public Procurement Act in contract procedures as its contract processes are opaque.”

    When the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara called for a voice vote, it was passed by a majority of members.

  • MonkeyPox: Edo sets up Situation Room

    MonkeyPox: Edo sets up Situation Room

    • Releases emergency hotlines, to build 20 mini-stadia in 18 LGA

    As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease to the state, the Edo State Government has released emergency hotlines to the public and established a situation room for monitoring the disease.

    The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) Meeting held at Government House, in Benin, on Wednesday.

    He also said that the EXCO received the design and approved the siting of 20 mini-stadia across the 18 LGAs of the state to serve as grooming ground for youth with sports talent.

    Assuring Edo residents on the proactive plans of government to guard against the spread of the disease to the state, Ohonbamu said government directed the State Ministry of Health to set up a fully-equipped situation room, where it can track and monitor the outbreak.

    He advised residents, who observe any seeming symptoms of the disease, to call Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, a Director in the State Ministry of Health on 08023345987 and Dr Osa Bruce on 08084096723.

    The commissioner said a massive public enlightenment campaign on preventive measures against the disease would be embarked upon across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    ‘’The State Ministry of Health has been asked to reactivate an old centre located at Ikpoba Slope area of the state, to serve as a dedicated situation room. This is so that the outbreak can be monitored. We are calling on citizens to be circumspect but calm and adhere to good health practices that will prevent contacting and spreading of the disease,” he said.

    The commissioner also disclosed that the executive council approved the siting of 20 mini stadia across the LGAs of the state, noting that the initiative was to facilitate rapid development of sport talents among youths in Edo State.

    According to him, ‘’The EXCO received the design and approved the siting of the stadia across the 18 LGAs of the state. These mini-sport complexes will have facilities for football and other track and field events. The decision underscores the premium, which the governor places on youth in the state,’’ he said.

    Ohonbamu added that, following the presentation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Violation of Right of Way and Destruction of Public Asset, the Executive Council decided that enumeration of all individuals and businesses located in the affected areas would commence on ward-by-ward basis.

    Other actions to be taken, according to him, are that the state would interface with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ascertain the propriety of sale of power to operators under the high-tension transmission lines in the Etete area through a 33KVA transformer located the vicinity.

    The state asked for the verification of claims by some house owners in the affected area, who argued that, even though their houses were built before the erection of TCN transmission lines, they were not compensated.

    Ohonbamu said the state government is making arrangement for the relocation of businesses, artisans and craftsmen in the affected area.

  • National electricity grid collapses

    National electricity grid collapses

    The national electricity grid collapsed on Thursday night after three generator units tripped off at the Egbin Power Generation Station in Lagos State,according to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    Restoration of the grid ,however, commenced immediately and was at an advanced stage  yesterday.

    Explaining the sequence of the system collapse,the TCN said: “A total system collapse was recorded on September 28, 2017 at 20:03Hrs.

    “Reports obtained from stations and the sequence of events generated by the SCADA system indicated that the system collapse was triggered by the tripping of Egbin Units ST4, ST6 and ST5 at ‘20:03:15, 20:03:32 and 20:03:34’ respectively.

    “By this incident, the Nigerian electric power grid lost generation completely before restoration commenced at 20:22Hrs.”

    It also said that grid generation stood at  about 4,262.7MW prior to the disruption as the operational capability required to maintain grid stability had dipped.

  • TCN secures donors’ $1.55b for grid expansion

    TCN secures donors’ $1.55b for grid expansion

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has secured $1.55billion from multilateral donors to revive some projects and expand the grid.

    Its Interim Managing Director, Usman Gur Mohammed made this known to reporters during the 18th Monthly Power Sector and Stakeholder meeting in Kumboso, Kano State.

    He noted that the intervention came from the World Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, European Union and Japan International Corporation Agency (JAICA).

    He said that “the strategy is that we have approached the multilateral donors and we have been able to raise some significant money. We have also resuscitated some project that has not been doing well, like the Abuja transmission project which is supposed to provide three sub- stations and provide another avenue for supply through Abuja from Lafia.

    “We have also resuscitated the JAICA project that has been on the drawing board for  a long some time now, those two projects, plus the projects is about 1.55 billion dollars   which is coming from the world bank , the African Development Bank the Islamic  Development Bank, JAICA itself, and the European union is also giving us a grant.”

    He recalled that when he assumed office he discovered that TCN capacity to wheel power is actually higher than the capacity that the distribution companies (DisCos).

    According to him, there was need for grid expansion and cash paucity, which made it expedient that the TCN had to seek the support of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Power to raise money from donor agencies.

    He revealed that “we have a stranded  load  generation  of  about 2,000 megawatts, this is not healthy  for the development of the sector, as time goes on if  we can’t pick those  generation it means that we are going to kill investment in the generation section.

    “On growing the load and avoid load rejection, we are working with Discos to see how to improve their capacity and we have appointed, Interface focal officers to help the DiSCos pick more load.”

    He noted that the company last week advertised transformer capacity for Kano, Kaduna, Lagos and Shiroro region.

    He said that TCN is now working towards realizing 20,000 megawatts of transmission capacity in the next few years.

    The Interim Managing Director pointed out that right of way has become a crucial challenge in the power sector which has resulted in a study by the West African Power Pool on the line from the Birnin- kebbi boarder of Nigeria from.

    He pointed out that since the payment of compensation for right of ways Nigeria has become a crucial problem, the TCN has started collaborating with State governments.

    Continuing, he said that : “We are collaborating with states in every areas that we  are  putting  a significant transmission capacity.  We are working to expand  the lines from Shiroro  to Kaduna, and from Kaduna to Kano, and we are putting a code line that will carry 2,400MW capacity, we have never had  that kind of line in Nigeria.

    “But we need to collaborate with sates and we have stated with Kaduna, the governor of Kaduna  is the one that is even paying the compensation  for some of the places where we are putting  sub –stations in Kaduna.”

    The Governor of Kano State, according to him, is also supporting TCN on the right  of ways  between Kano and Kaduna border.

    The company, he added, is also working with the governors of Abia,  Lagos,  Imo and Ogun states to enhance transmission capacity .

  • TCN increases transmission with transformer in Ajah

    TCN increases transmission with transformer in Ajah

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Thursday said electricity transmission has been increased by additional 60MVA 132/33kV transformer in its Ajah substation.

    In a statement issued by the General Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, Seun Olagunju the 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer which was successfully refurbished, installed and commissioned into service, has brought the transformer capacity at 132kV level to 220MVA.

    According to the statement, the newly installed 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer replaced an old 60MVA transformer which failed in the substation last year.

    Continuing, the statement disclosed that, TCN is also installing a 60MVA 132/33kV mobile power transformer in the same station to further increase transmission capacity in the area.

    The nearly completed mobile transformer will upon completion, boost the transmission capacity in the substation to 280MW, which is above the distribution load requirement in the area.

    The increased capacity of the Ajah transmission substation will translate to availability of additional power to be wheeled to distribution load centers supplying electricity to Ajah and environs.

    TCN pledges to continue to work towards expanding and ensuring the nation’s grid stability.