Updated: NERC blames Saturday’s power outage on transformer explosion

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has attributed Saturday’s grid collapse to a current transformer explosion.

According to Persecondnews, the national grid collapsed again on Saturday, marking the third time in a week.

This latest incident follows earlier trippings on Monday and Tuesday during restoration efforts.

In a statement on its social media handles, the NERC provided an update on the collapse and said: “We are concerned about the recent increase in grid disturbances, which often result in significant outages in several states, thereby undoing many of the recent improvements in reducing infrastructure deficits and enhancing grid stability.

“Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815 hrs and an associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load.”

The commission stated, however, that efforts to restore supply had advanced “with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT.”

It added: “In line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function (ISO) out of Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is ongoing with the expectation that an independent System Operator would engender more discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure.”

To find a lasting solution to the incessant grid shut down, NERC said it will soon conduct a public hearing to investigate the underlying causes of recurring grid disturbances and widespread power outages.

”The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate,” the statement said.