The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully completed the installation of two 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers in its Benin and Onitsha(GCM) Transmission Substations.

The Benin 60MVA power transformer is already supplying bulk electricity to Benin Electricity Distribution Company’s load centers, while the transformer in Onitsha (GCM) Substation was energized and put on soak at about 19.15hours on Saturday. Gradual loading of the transformer commenced on Sunday the 30th of December, 2018. The projects are an addition to the over thirty-Five power transformers that have been completed and energized across the country mainly by TCN in-house engineers.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN said that on the 24th of September, 2018 at about 9:20pm the primary breaker of its oldest 60MVA 132/33kV transformer in Benin tripped, affecting bulk supply to Nekpen Nekpen, Koko and Ikpoba Dam 33kV feeders. After several tests were carried out on the transformer, results showed that the transformer which had already been earmarked for replacement could not be repaired.

The statement noted that with the failure of the transformer, TCN moved an idle 60MVA transformer from its Irrua Transmission Substation to Benin Substation for installation. The Irrua Community resisted the move until early in December, 2018. On the 16th however, the transformer was brought to Benin Substation for installation by TCN in-house engineers who completed the installation and energizing on 24th December, 2018. Since the new transformer was energized, bulk power supply had been restored to Benin Electricity Distribution Company through its Nekpen Nekpen, koko and Ikpoba Dam 33 kV feeders, within Benin Metropolis.

Also, in the same substation, work has reached advanced stage in the installation of a second 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer that would replace the 60MVA capacity transformer accidentally damaged by the trace clearing crew of Benin Distribution Company recently. TCN engineers are currently in the substation working assiduously to ensure that the second transformer is completed and energized.

On the other hand, TCN has also completed the installation of a brand new 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer at the General Cotton Mill (GCM) Transmission Substation Onitsha, the transformer has been energized but is currently on soak. Gradual loading of the transformer commenced on Sunday, 30th December and expectedly the transformer would be fully loaded by the 1st of January, 2019. As soon as this happens, normal bulk electricity supply would be restored to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for delivery to their customers taking supply from the substation.

The statement further noted that the installation of the new 1X60MVA 132/33kV power transformer and 4No 33kV feeder bays at the General Cotton Mill (GCM) Transmission Substation Onitsha, became necessary as the former 60MVA transformer installed in September, 2014 in the substation developed fault mainly due to the shattered 33kV primary current transformer on the primary side of the of a 15MVA 33/11kV distribution injection station, installed directly adjacent to TCN’s 60MVA power transformer. The incident tripped TCN’s transformer and repeated efforts to restore the transformer failed as at November, 2018.

TCN reiterated that the only way that TCN’s Rehabilitation and Expansion programme can give maximum benefit to the nation, is if a commensurate investment is done on the various distribution networks nationwide. The company reiterated its willingness to continue to work assiduously with other sector players to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from investments in the sector.

Ndidi Mbah

General Manager (Public Affairs) TCN

30th December, 2018