By Stella Odueme
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has accused Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) of misleading electricity consumers by attributing recent power outages affecting its Band A feeders to grid instability.
TCN described the claim as unfounded, insisting that the reduction in electricity supply was primarily caused by inadequate power generation rather than any breakdown or failure of the transmission network.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Management, TCN said the responsibility for determining the causes of disturbances and interruptions on the national grid rests with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), in line with Section 67 of the Electricity Act 2023.
The reaction followed a November 5 public notice by IKEDC, which attributed several Band A feeder outages recorded on November 3 and 4 to grid instability and identified TCN as the responsible party.
However, TCN said NISO had clarified that the current decline in electricity generation was due to gas supply constraints affecting thermal power stations and reduced hydroelectric output resulting from lower reservoir inflows.
It explained that the generation shortfall had reduced the volume of electricity available for distribution companies, resulting in lower allocations, fewer hours of supply and increased load shedding.
According to TCN, records of interruptions on feeders supplying IKEDC on November 1 and 2 showed that 68 per cent were caused by frequency-control load shedding arising from low generation.
It said 26 per cent were attributable to IKEDC's non-compliance with load allocations issued by NISO's National Control Centre or faults and maintenance activities on its distribution network.
The remaining six per cent, it added, resulted from TCN's planned maintenance, switching operations or line limitations, stressing that none of the recorded interruptions was caused by equipment failure or a trip on its network.
TCN further disclosed that an examination of 46 interruptions on the 33kV feeders listed in IKEDC's notice showed that 29 were caused by low-generation-related load shedding.
Fourteen interruptions were attributed to IKEDC, comprising nine cases of non-compliance with load allocation and five faults or trips on its network, while three resulted from scheduled TCN maintenance on the Ogba–Alimosho line on November 1.
The transmission company cited the Rack Centre feeder incident of November 2, explaining that the interruption resulted from a cable fault on IKEDC's network, which was repaired by the distribution company's technical team.
It also pointed out that IKEDC's own notice identified faults on the MTN, Iju Water Works and Rack Centre feeders as 33kV faults under its responsibility.
TCN warned that blaming transmission infrastructure for supply shortages caused by inadequate generation could misinform consumers and undermine public confidence in the electricity industry.
It urged IKEDC and other distribution companies to stop making unverified claims about electricity supply interruptions and ensure that public communications on grid-related incidents are based on verified information from NISO.
The company also advised electricity consumers to consult NISO's official communication platforms for reliable information on developments in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
While expressing sympathy for customers experiencing reduced electricity supply hours, TCN assured that it remained committed to transmitting all available energy safely and efficiently, while collaborating with other industry stakeholders to improve power supply.