TCN Disputes Ikeja Electric’s Claims Regarding Power Outages
Transmission company blames generation shortfalls for supply interruptions instead of grid instability.
1Public Dispute Over Outages
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has publicly challenged Ikeja Electric’s explanations for recent power outages on Band A feeders. Ikeja Electric had attributed supply interruptions to grid instability. However, TCN claims these statements are inaccurate, arguing that the root cause is actually a significant reduction in national electricity generation capacity.
2Regulatory Authority Clarification
TCN cited Section 67 of the Electricity Act 2023, which grants the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) exclusive authority to determine the causes of grid disturbances. TCN argues that distribution companies lack the mandate to independently assign blame for power failures, especially when NISO has already provided a different public explanation.
3Generation Constraints Identified
NISO attributed the current power shortfalls to two primary factors: gas supply constraints affecting thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric stations due to low reservoir inflows. These systemic issues have lowered the total electricity available for distribution, forcing load shedding across various networks, including those managed by Ikeja Electric.
4Transmission vs. Distribution Responsibility
TCN emphasized that it can only transmit the energy made available to it by generation companies. It stated that 68 percent of recent load shedding resulted from low generation and frequency-control measures. Only a small fraction of interruptions were linked to TCN’s own maintenance operations or transmission line limitations during this period.
5Analysis of Feeder Interruptions
An examination of 46 interruptions on 33kV feeders revealed that 29 were caused by frequency-control load shedding due to low generation. TCN linked 14 interruptions directly to Ikeja Electric, citing non-compliance with load allocations and local network faults. Three remaining incidents were attributed to scheduled maintenance on the Ogba-Alimosho transmission line.
6Specific Network Faults Cited
TCN highlighted specific instances where Ikeja Electric’s own network issues caused outages, such as a cable fault on the Rack Centre feeder on November 2. The transmission company noted that Ikeja Electric had previously acknowledged responsibility for faults on the MTN and Iju Water Works feeders in its own public notices.
7Impact on Consumer Trust
TCN warned that blaming the transmission company for shortages caused by inadequate generation misleads consumers and undermines public confidence in the power sector. It urged distribution companies to stop making unfounded claims and instead rely on verified information from NISO to explain supply shortfalls to their customers in a transparent manner.
8Future Operational Outlook
While expressing sympathy for affected customers, TCN reaffirmed its commitment to transmitting available electricity safely and efficiently. The company stated it will continue collaborating with NISO, generation firms, and distribution companies to manage prevailing operational constraints. Consumers are advised to consult NISO platforms for accurate updates on the national power supply.