Transmission Company of Nigeria Disputes Ikeja Electric’s Claims on Power Outages

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has responded to claims made by Ikeja Electric regarding recent power outages. TCN argues that the outages are due to low electricity generation rather than problems with the transmission network.

In a statement released on Friday, TCN criticized Ikeja Electric for blaming grid instability for supply interruptions that occurred on November 3 and 4. TCN stated that the real issues were gas supply problems affecting thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric plants.

TCN pointed out that Ikeja Electric does not have the authority to determine the causes of disturbances on the national grid. According to TCN, this responsibility lies with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). TCN noted that NISO had confirmed that the outages were not due to failures in the transmission network.

Instead, TCN explained that the reduced electricity generation led to fewer hours of supply for consumers and increased load shedding, which is when electricity is temporarily cut off to manage demand. TCN emphasized that it can only transmit the amount of electricity that is generated.

To support its claims, TCN provided data showing that most interruptions were due to low generation. They stated that 68% of the outages were related to frequency-control load shedding. Additionally, TCN attributed some interruptions to Ikeja Electric’s failure to follow load allocations and maintenance issues on their own network.

TCN urged Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies to stop making unfounded claims about the causes of power shortages. They stressed the importance of providing accurate information to customers to maintain public confidence in the electricity supply system.

As power generation issues continue to affect electricity supply, TCN expressed its commitment to transmitting all available electricity efficiently and working with other stakeholders to improve the situation.