The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has confirmed the collapse of the national grid, caused by an explosion at a current transformer in the Jebba transmission station.
This incident, which occurred at 08:15 hours, led to the shutdown of the grid system, impacting 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
NERC has assured Nigerians that efforts are underway for full restoration of power.
“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission notes with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances often leading to marked outage in several states thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability.
“Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815hrs and associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load.
“However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT,” NERC said.
NERC emphasized that addressing the frequent grid collapses is a top priority. In line with the Electricity Act of 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function from the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is currently in progress.
The commission believes that establishing an independent System Operator will enhance grid management discipline and encourage optimized investments in infrastructure.
NERC announced plans to hold an investigative public hearing aimed at identifying the immediate and underlying causes of recurring grid disturbances and widespread outages. This initiative is part of their efforts to enhance the stability of the national grid and prevent future incidents.
“In line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function (ISO) out of Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is ongoing with the expectation that an independent SO would engender more discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure.
“In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of recurring incidence of grid disturbances and widespread outages.
“The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies and stakeholders are encouraged to participate,” NERC stated.
It was earlier reported that national grid had collapsed for the third time in less than a week, resulting in a significant blackout across the country.
Despite being restored just two days prior, the grid faced another collapse on Saturday.
As of 9 a.m. today, reports indicated that the grid was transmitting zero megawatts to the eleven distribution companies nationwide.
