National Grid Gets Lifeline: TCN's Backup System

TCN Unveils Grid Stability Solution

“We are trying to upgrade all our transmission lines...”

Nigeria's Transmission Company (TCN) unveils backup plan to prevent nationwide blackouts. Learn more about the initiative.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has vowed to implement a backup system to prevent nationwide blackouts during future national grid collapses. This promise was made by TCN's Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, who stressed the urgent need for improved infrastructure to stabilize the grid.

Abdulaziz attributed the frequent grid failures to aging infrastructure, some of which has been in operation for over 50 years. This outdated equipment is a significant setback for Nigeria's economy and development, causing estimated billions of dollars in losses annually and impacting the quality of life for Nigerians.

To address this, TCN plans to upgrade these outdated systems, recognizing that investing in essential electricity generation and transmission infrastructure is vital for the country's energy stability. Under Abdulaziz's leadership, TCN has already made significant strides in project delivery and digital transformation through the Nigeria Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and Rehabilitation Program (NEGMERP).

Additionally, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts for transmission lines and substations to enhance grid stability. These projects include the construction of three transmission sub-stations and the extension of transmission lines in various states.

Initiatives to Enhance Grid Stability:

Backup System Implementation: TCN's plan to prevent nationwide blackouts

Infrastructure Upgrade: Replacing aging infrastructure to reduce power disruptions

NEGMERP: TCN's strategic plan for grid maintenance, expansion, and rehabilitation

Transmission Line and Substation Projects: FEC-approved contracts to enhance grid stability

“Presently, we are doing the scatter system for the whole network and it is funded by the World Bank, and the project will take two years to be completed, and now, we have done 70 percent of the project,” the TCN MD said.

“Almost a month ago, we were at Gwagwalada (in Abuja) with the World Bank where we celebrated the project. It is 70 percent completed. Once we have the scatter system, it will reduce the frequency of getting system disturbances.”

“We are trying to upgrade all our transmission lines,” he said, mentioning that while the government may lack sufficient funding for the project, the TCN has been collaborating with private companies to secure the necessary financial resources.

“The honourable minister is now working with the presidency to have that approval. This is what we call the super grid.

“By the time we have it, even if there is a fault in one transmission line, you can switch to the one so that we have an alternative but now, the type of grid we have, once we have a problem with the line, you have no other line to switch on to,” he said.

The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, emphasized the importance of investing in critical electricity infrastructure to achieve energy stability in the country. He recognized that the current challenges in electricity production have resulted in higher costs for consumers.

Abdulaziz highlighted that residents in Band A now have access to 24-hour electricity, although this claim may be disputed by many citizens. Despite recent tariff increases, Abdulaziz noted that electricity in Nigeria remains relatively affordable compared to neighboring countries like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as well as other African regions.

This statement comes as the TCN Managing Director pushes for upgraded infrastructure to reduce power disruptions and stabilize the grid. The move aims to address the significant economic and social impacts of power outages in Nigeria.