Abuja Power rationing: TCN pledges prompt action

By Etuka Sunday

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday attributed the current power rationing in some parts of Abuja metropolis, including Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, Karu Kaffi and environs to the loss of a 60MVA, 132/33kV power transformer and the associated 33kV switchgears at its substation, Apo, as a result of a fire incident, caused by direct lightening strike.

A statement signed by the company’s Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, said the fire started after an explosive sound from the 132/33kV switchyard.

It was then noticed that the relay room and cable trenches within the control room were engulfed in smoke. The engineers quickly disconnected the substation from the transmission grid to forestall

further damage to other equipment while the fire was successfully extinguished by the fire service.

According to the statement, TCN’s quick response engineering team have since been working assiduously, to isolate the affected 60MVA, 330/123kV power transformer and replace cables of the 2x45MVA power transformers in the substation, so that service can be restored through the 2x45MVA and 1x100MVA power transformers not affected by the fire.

TCN further noted that as soon as isolation work is completed and the cables replaced, normal transmission of electricity to distribution load centers in Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe, International airport as well as Karu business units would commence.

The company also said that prior to the fire incident, the maximum distribution load required by the distribution business units that take supply from the Apo substation was 46MW. Therefore, even with the reduced transmission capability of 190MW, their load demand will still be met.

TCN regrets any inconvenience the incident has caused electricity customers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and thanked the Abuja fire service for its prompt response to putting out the fire.