National Grid collapse: FG blames vandals for outage throwing millions into darkness
The Federal Government has blamed vandals that has thrown millions of Nigerians and several cities into darkness
While confirming the blackout, the government stated that a system collapse occurred at 18:30 hours on Friday, April 8.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Isa Sanusi, SA (Media) for the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Power.
There was reported zero generation and supply in March when the grid witnessed two collapses.
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) informed Its customers of the development which it said happened at 6:30p.m leading to outages across its network and that it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to resolve the issue.
“Dear Esteemed Customer, A system collapse occurred on the national grid about 6:30p.m today (yesterday), leading to outages across our network. We are working with our TCN partners to resolve the issue.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconveniences this may have caused. EKEDC Island District,” EKEDC stated.
Also, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company said the collapse had resulted in power outage in its area of operation.
“Please be informed that there has just been a national grid collapse causing an outage in our franchise areas.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appeal that you bear with us while we await restoration from the TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria). We regret all inconvenience caused,” AEDC tweeted.
It also added that the process of restoring supply is ongoing with some sections of the national grid already energised and supply restored to consumers.
Consequently, in a statement, the ministry said, “We wish to notify the general public of the incidence of a system collapse which occurred at 18:30 hours on April 8, 2022, resulting in power outages in many parts of the country.”
It stated that a detailed investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the recurring grid failure is currently ongoing by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and System Operator, the national grid operator.
Meanwhile, in another statement issued by the Ministry, blamed the grid collapse on an act of vandalism on a transmission tower on the Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330KV double circuit transmission
It said, “The immediate cause of national blackout (system collapse) was an act of vandalism on a transmission tower on the Odukpani — Ikot Ekpene 330KV double circuit transmission line thus resulting in a sudden loss of about 400MW of generation.”
They added that other on-grid power plants are being dispatched to cover the lost generation capacity from the Calabar power plant owned by Niger Power Holding Company Ltd.
