TCN Restores 330 kV Benin–Egbin Transmission Line After Grid Disturbance

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Thursday that the Benin–Egbin 330kV transmission line had been restored after a power system disturbance earlier in the day that disrupted electricity supply across Lagos and its surrounding areas.

TCN also confirmed that work is still underway to restore the Benin–Omotoso 330kV transmission line, which was affected by the same incident.

In a statement from its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN said the disturbance began at about 8:19 a.m. when voltage instability on the national grid spread rapidly across the Lagos transmission corridor.

The statement added that the disturbance caused the loss of several generating stations, outages on transmission lines, and a subsequent interruption of electricity supply to Lagos and neighbouring areas.

TCN explained that the National Control Centre immediately directed several power generation companies to reduce their output in order to contain the rise in system frequency, stabilise the grid, and prevent a wider system collapse.

The company noted that the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, promptly convened an emergency meeting with TCN management and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to coordinate restoration efforts and determine the next course of action.

“We are pleased to report that one of the affected lines, the Benin–Egbin 330kV transmission line, which was opened during the incident, has already been restored and is currently transmitting bulk electricity,” the statement said.

It added that a joint team of engineers from TCN’s Benin and Omotoso sub‑regions is working to repair faults on the Benin–Omotoso 330kV transmission line to enable the full restoration of bulk power supply to the Lagos complex.

“A combined team of TCN engineers from the Benin and Omotoso sub‑regions are working assiduously to rectify the remaining faults on the 330kV Benin–Omotoso transmission line to ensure full restoration of bulk power supply to the Lagos complex as quickly as possible,” the company stated.

TCN apologised to residents, businesses and other electricity consumers affected by the outage, assuring them that the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies are making every effort to restore normal transmission operations.

The company reiterated its commitment to strengthening grid operations and reducing the recurrence of such incidents.

“Our goal is to stabilise and strengthen the national grid, with the aim of minimising the recurrence of such incidents,” the statement added.

TCN urged affected consumers to remain patient while restoration work continues on the Benin–Omotoso transmission line, assuring them that updates will be provided as progress is made.