TCN Completes Installation Of New Transformers In Enugu, Suleja, Zaria, Bida

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed the completion of installing five new power transformers last week as part of its continuous efforts in achieving incremental power supplies nationwide.

The transformers include a 60MVA transformer at Bida Substation, 60MVA in Suleija Substation both in Niger State, 2X60MVA at New Haven Substation in Enugu State and 60MVA in Zaria Substation in Kaduna State.

Also, within the period, it said it completed the upgrading of a 45MVA power transformer to 60MVA in Suleja Substation, Niger State.

The TCN explained that the transformers had been energised and are currently supplying power to the various communities where they are located.

The TCN Managing Director, Mohammed Usman, who made these disclosures in a statement, further added that several transformers, substations and lines completed across the country either by TCN in-house engineers or by contractors were ready for official commissioning by the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN.

According to the statement signed by the TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, with the additional power transformers in TCN’s substations, power supply rationing recently experienced by customers of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company around Odogunyon and Ikorodu as well as customers of Enugu Distribution Company around Enugu, Nkanu and Aninri would be a thing of the past.

She said these areas would experience improved power supply just as electricity supply to customers of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company around Suleja, Zaria and Bida will also experience improved power supply.

TCN further solicited the understanding of the people of Kaduna as the re-conducting of the Mando to Power Station 132kV transmission line is affecting power supply to some parts of Kaduna.

It pointed out that engineers work only on Saturdays and Sundays between 8.00am to 5.00pm to reduce the impact on electricity consumers, adding that work on the transmission line is now 90 percent completion.

TCN reiterated that the re-conducting is necessary to enable it supply enough power to the new 2X60MVA power transformers which are at their final stage of installation at Power Station Transmission Substation in Kaduna.

With the installation of the 2X60MVA transformers, the capacity of Kaduna Power Station Substation which is currently 120MVA, will increase to 240MVA, it assured.

The company further noted that although the Nigerian Electricity Industry (NESI) is still facing liquidity problem, the only way its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program can give maximum benefit to the nation, is if a commensurate investment is done on the various distribution networks nationwide.

According to TCN, “This is because poorly maintained distribution network is currently destroying transmission equipment on a daily basis. The lack of investment in distribution network is more problematic anytime there is heavy rainfall.

TCN is aware of the various locations where it still has constraints but this is being addressed with the various installations under the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program.

“TCN looks forward to working in harmony with other sector players to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from these investments in its network.”