Egbin Power Plant Fire Disrupts Electricity Supply to Lagos, TCN Transformer Damaged

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah

A fire at the Egbin Power Plant on the morning of August 5, 2025, has damaged a critical 150MVA transformer owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The incident, which began around 6:30 a.m., was caused by a faulty current or voltage transformer (CT/VT) on the 33kV side of TCN’s equipment.

The fire spread to the main transformer, causing a significant oil leak and severe damage.

This has disrupted electricity supply to parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

Bulk electricity was temporarily reduced to the Ikorodu and Odogunyan transmission substations, impacting customers of Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

Further disruptions were reported on Sagamu Lines 1 and 2 and Maryland Line 2.

TCN said an initial load of 47MW was affected but was swiftly transferred to a second 150MVA transformer in the substation.

However, this backup transformer is currently operating under strain, and the load deficit has since grown, leading to widespread load-shedding in the affected areas.

In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs at TCN given to Persecondnews, the company apologized for the inconvenience caused and said urgent steps are underway to source a replacement transformer and restore full operations.

Distribution companies in the affected regions IKEDC and EKEDC have been notified to assist in managing the current load limitations.

“TCN is working diligently to ensure the replacement of the damaged equipment and a return to normalcy in the shortest possible time,” the statement said.