Loss of 611MW caused power grid collapse, says TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said the loss of 611 megawatts at two power stations caused the collapse of the national grid on Wednesday.

The TCN, in a statement on Thursday, said the grid was fully restored at 4:59 pm on Wednesday, after a grid collapse that occurred at about 12:20 pm the same day.

It said the collapse was triggered by a sudden drop in system frequency to 47.21Hz.

It said, “Reports received from SCADA and other power generating stations showed that at about 12:20 pm, two generating units tripped in one generating station while four equally tripped in another generating station, causing a loss of 261MW and 350MW respectively, bringing the total loss of electricity on the grid to 611MW.

“It is suspected that the sudden loss of 611MW from the grid, caused system instability and its eventual collapse.”

The TCN said after the collapse, however, its system operators immediately commenced the restoration of the grid and by 12:46 pm, adding that power supply in Abuja was fully restored from Shiroro Generating Station.

It said, “At 1:05 pm, TCN equally commenced grid restoration from the Delta Power Station, and at 4:59 pm, a full restoration of the entire grid was achieved.

“We appreciate the government, electricity customers nationwide, and our international customers for their patience and note that TCN would continue to work hard to expand and maintain the stability of the national grid.”