TCN Steps Up Grid Expansion, Installs 13 High VoltageTransformers in Four Months

Chineme Okafor in

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that its drive to expand Nigeria’s electricity transmission network has continued unhindered with the installation of 13 high voltage transformers across the country under four months.

It said its grid expansion plan has seen it install new high voltage transformers at its Ohiya and Aba substations; Alimosho; Calabar and Uyo substations in March and April, 2018.

It equally said each of them was commissioned in MayoBelwa; Bauchi and Gombe transmission sub-stations in May, 2018, as well as in Mando and Zaria, with two installed at its Kakuri transmission substation subsequently. TCN reiterated its willingness to ensure that it continues to promptly tackle transmission interface issues in the country’s power sector.

Its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, pointed out in a statement sent to THISDAY in Abuja, that the TCN had again increased the country’s grid capacity by 330 megavolt amp (MVA), with the installation of four additional brand new transformers in Kaduna State.

Mbah, explained the new systems included a 1x150MVA transformer in Mando substation; 1x60MVA transformer in Zaria substation and 2x60 MVA in its substation in Kakuri.

“The company also completed the re-conducting of its 132kV double circuit Mando - Kaduna Town transmission line, increasing the line capacity from 80MW to 240MW. The Zaria 60MVA transformer has been commissioned by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing on June 10th and 11th, 2018.”

According to Mbah, the TCN was also working hard to ensure that it puts in place an N-1 capacity in its transmission substations nationwide, which would reportedly ensure that there are spare transmission capacities at all of its transmission