Power supply: TCN vows to avert future system collapse

The  Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has vowed to avert future system collapse in the power sector with adequate measures put in place to enhance improved service delivery to electricity distribution companies and consumers in the country. This was stated in a communiqué by top management of TCN at the one-day management retreat, with theme, ‘’The Way Forward,” in Abuja, where vital issues affecting the sector were considered and resolutions made to tackle challenges bedevilling adequate power generation and distribution in the country. The TCN  said it had the capacity to wheel maximum generation from Generating Companies, Gencos, to Distribution Companies, Discos, and would continue to work assiduously to further expand its grid capacity to ensure that it continued to surpass the generation curve. “Although the grid stability is presently impaired, due to lack of adequate generation, TCN would continue to work at averting the collapse of the system. “Three specific short term projects were identified as “quick win” projects that should be completed with the least amount of money and yet have maximum impact on the transmission network. These quick win projects would be given highest priority attention in order to improve the network and increase return on investment. “The projects include the installation of a 60MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformer at the Ife transmission Substation; installation would be completed within three months, adding 48MW to the nation’s transmission capacity. Repair and installation of 60No defective 33kV circuit breakers which would be completed within six months and on completion enhance the grid wheeling capacity with about 28,800MWH (megawatt hour),” TCN stated. Meanwhile, the company said within a period of six months, critical and international 330kV lines would be maintained to ensure system stability and revenue earnings. The company said these projects, when completed, would increase its wheeling charges by over N700 million. The management also came up with a decision to urgently empower the regions, increase their autonomy and set performance measuring parameters by introducing the Key Performance Indicators, KPI, through which they can be monitored and held accountable for any poor service delivery to the consumers. Also the company stated that a change management process would also be instituted to address staff attitude to work, remove bottlenecks in TCNs payment process, identify and close skill gaps through staff training with emphasis on on-the-job training.