Plans are underway for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to transfer the national grid’s management to an Independent System Operator, aligning with the Electricity Act 2023’s provisions to promote disciplined grid management and enhance efficiency.
NERC also disclosed that an explosion at the Jebba transmission station triggered the latest collapse of the national grid, which occurred earlier on Saturday, disrupting electricity supply nationwide.
However, The commission revealed the significant progress in restoring power, with electricity reinstated in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of 1 pm on Saturday.
In the Reoccurring pattern,the national grid suffered its third collapse in one week on Saturday, leading to widespread electricity disruptions, after similar incidents on Monday and Tuesday which was later restored.
Meanwhile, NERC addressed this recent increased grid disruptions, leading to widespread power outages, in a statement shared on its official X handle.
According to the statement, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission notes with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances often leading to marked outages in several states, thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability”
Initial Investigations carried out on the grid disturbance on Saturday ,revealed that an explosion at Jebba transmission station’s current transformer at 08:15 hours instigated its power outage, followed by multiple power plant shutdowns due to load loss.
“However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 13:00 hours, in 33 states and the FCT.”
In a bid to address the recurring problem, an investigative public hearing is proposed to commence soon, probing the immediate and underlying factors behind grid disturbances and widespread power interruptions.
In accordance with the Electricity Act 2023, the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is currently undergoing restructuring to separate the system operator function, anticipating this to yield improved grid discipline and strategically attract infrastructure investments through an Independent System Operator.
“In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing to identify immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages.
Additionally, it stated that “The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies and stakeholders are encouraged to participate,” .
Eniola Jolaoso