TCN moves to restore power after vandalism, launches advanced grid monitoring system
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced urgent repairs following the collapse of four transmission towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line due to vandalism. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 11, disrupted electricity supply to parts of Rivers State and the entire Bayelsa State.
TCN’s General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Engr. Emmanuel Apka, led a team of engineers to assess the damage. The company has since mobilized resources to restore bulk power supply, emphasizing that vandalism continues to threaten Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
In response, TCN has called on local communities to support efforts in protecting power installations from attacks. The company described the incident as a major setback in its push for a stable and resilient transmission network.
As part of broader efforts to enhance grid security and stability, TCN has inaugurated a Network Monitoring System Development Committee. The initiative is designed to improve real-time monitoring, optimize generation and transmission resources, and enhance system efficiency.
At the inauguration, the Executive Director of Independent System Operations (ISO), Engr. (Mrs.) Nafisat Ali, stressed the need for a more advanced tracking system, noting that manual operations pose challenges in managing the nation’s expanding power grid.
The committee, led by Engr. Ojo Thomas Oladeji, Assistant General Manager (Research) at ISO, will develop a comprehensive monitoring system using locally developed solutions. The project will integrate Phase Measuring Units (PMUs), Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve system visibility and responsiveness.
According to TCN, the monitoring system will be deployed before the completion of the ongoing upgrade of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and will serve as a backup for real-time grid management.
The company reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s power transmission network, ensuring efficient energy distribution, and minimizing system disruptions caused by vandalism and operational challenges.
