The electricity generation companies complain that the difficulty the Transmission Company of Nigeria is having in controlling power frequency in the grid is affecting their plants negatively

The electricity generation companies, Gencos, have frowned at the unhealthy frequency control practice of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN. The Gencos alleged that the TCN was having challenges controlling the frequency levels of electricity in the grid.

The Gencos said the challenges TCN is having in controlling electricity frequency is also negatively affecting their generation plants. Because of this development, they have warned that it lead to complete shutdown of their units and perhaps cause a national blackout.

Joy Ogaji, executive secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies, APGC, an umbrella body of the Gencos, said  “TCN has serious difficulties controlling frequency which may lead to another impending blackout. Evidence shows as follows: system performance for 07/09/2018: Highest Frequency 50.98 Hz. Lowest Frequency 49.64 Hz. Peak Generation 4,498.10MW. Lowest Generation 2,627.60MW. Total Energy Sent Out 81,770.75MWH. System performance for 09/09/2018: Highest Frequency 50.98 Hz. Lowest Frequency 50.12 Hz. And, 11/09/2018: Frequency from 48.85 to 50.9 HZ.”

According to Ogaji, generating units cannot withstand this very high frequency for a long time. She said even for a very short time generating units will get into a vibration zone. “This will diminish their life expectancy and will require extended maintenance in the medium term. There is need to declare a state of emergency on these issues, politics is not helping us. These assets though in private hands, if allowed to go down like this, will be colossal waste for all of us considering the huge sum invested in them.”

Ogaji’s claims, however, came at a time the TCN announced its energisation of a 330 kilovolt (kV) transmission substation and 150 megavolt amp (MVA) power transformer in Damaturu area of Yobe State. TCN, in a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, general manager, Public Affairs of the commission, said it successfully energised the 330kV transmission substation which was constructed six years ago but could not be energised.

It also said the 150MVA power transformer and associated 75MVR reactors were energised by it, adding that its task team would now concentrate on completing a 60MVA transformer within the next two weeks to enable Damaturu and its environs get supply from the substation.

Mbah explained, in the statement, that contract for the Damaturu 330kV substation project was awarded in 2006, but like its Wudil 132kV substation which was taken over from the contractor and completed about a month ago, its engineers took over the contract about three months back and completed it afterwards.

She noted that the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV single circuit transmission line was completed in 2013 but was neither terminated nor energised until its task team did it. Further, Mbah stated that two towers on the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV transmission lines that were vandalised in 2015 were being stringed by TCN’s contractor, and expected to be completed in the next one week.

According to her, this will significantly improve the power supply of Maiduguri and environs, as well as the flexibility of supply to Biu and Dambua, all in Borno State.

– Sept. 21, 2018 @ 14:09 GMT |