Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) can only transmit 8,100MW of the 13,000MW generated, leaving a significant gap between supply and demand.
Gatekeepers News reports that Thomas Inugonum, TCN’s General Manager for Port Harcourt Region disclosed this during a news conference on Sunday, and attributed the limited transmission capacity to outdated equipment that is over 50 years old, leading to breakdowns and inefficiencies that hinder the flow of electricity across the country.
Continuing to exacerbate this issue is the persistent problem of vandalism. TCN facilities experience frequent vandalism resulting in costly equipment theft and major disruptions.
“We are supposed to be able to transmit about 15,000MW, but we are unable to meet this capacity due to weak and ageing infrastructure,” he said.
Inugonum noted, “Vandals have cut earth-conductors of big transformers that cost about N800 million resulting in the ‘floating’ of the facility.”
“In just two months, we have lost several of our transmission lines in Odukpani (Cross River) and in Elelenwo in Rivers,” he added.
TCN is seeking help from the media and the public to raise awareness about its consequences. The company stresses the significance of safeguarding critical infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in providing electricity to homes and businesses.
Benneth Ezemobi, TCN’s Assistant General Manager, Port Harcourt Sub-Region, said, “It is unfortunate that people vandalise facilities worth billions of naira only to melt the metals to construct gates, pots, and cups. It is just wickedness.”
TCN assured that it is making efforts to enhance its transmission capacity with the execution of various projects such as reconductoring lines and installing new transformers to augment its capabilities. These projects are expected to be completed by 2025, which will bring additional power to states like Rivers.
“Currently, we have slightly less than 400mw, but by 2025, we would have been able to meet our 500mw target for Rivers,” Ezemobi added.
