Nigerians are at the risk of experiencing a nationwide blackout following the collapse of the national grid.
Blueprint gathered that the national grid experienced a system collapse on Sunday morning due to high voltage.
But the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) blamed the development on the massive drop of load by the electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
A statement signed by the General Manager Public Affairs of TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, said the high voltage also caused a fire outbreak in the 75MXreactor in Benin Substation at Sapele Road.
Mbah said the massive load drop led to high voltage in the system, which shattered the lightning arrester in close proximity to the 75MX Reactor in the Substation.
“‘The shattered lightning arrester porcelain hit the reactor bushing causing further explosion on the reactor resulting in fire outbreak.
“Restoration of the Grid commenced immediately and as at 1.30 p.m, bulk power supply to most parts of the nation had been restored.
“The Management of TCN commends the efforts and support of the Government of Edo and Benin Electricity Distribution Company as well as the Fire Service in putting out the fire and restoring normal power supply.”
Mbah said TCN had commenced the movement of another reactor to Benin City to replace the burnt to ensure voltage stability in the City as well as prevent a re-occurrence.
She said TCN would also ensure a review of the entire protection and earthing system nationwide.
“This will be done in addition to the overall upgrading of the system through the TREP programme being financed by multi-lateral donors.
“The installation of 3no reactors on the Ikot- Ekpene- Ugwuaji –Jos line has reached an advance stage.
“It is expected that once these three reactors are installed and commissioned, the grid would be further stabilised.”
She assured Nigerians that TCN management was doing everything possible to modernise, upgrade and stabilise the National Grid.h
However, some major cities including some parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were thrown into darkness Sunday morning.
As at the time of filing this report Sunday night, power supply was yet to be restored to the affected areas.
