FG to pass over national grid to independent operators.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, has stated that discussions are underway to transfer the operation of the national grid to an independent system operator in accordance with the terms of the Electricity Act 2023 to improve grid management discipline.
The NERC also confirmed that the most recent national grid collapse, which happened early Saturday, was caused by an explosion at the Jebba transmission facility.
According to the commission, efforts to restore supplies have made great headway, with electricity restored to 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The national grid crashed for the third time in a week on Saturday morning, causing a widespread power outage.
The grid was down on Monday and Tuesday for restoration.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the NERC acknowledged the recent spike in grid disturbances that had resulted in major outages.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission notes with concern the recent escalation of grid disturbances, which frequently result in significant outages in several states, reversing many of the recent gains in reducing infrastructure deficits and improving grid stability.”
According to preliminary reports on the grid disturbance this morning, the explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 08:15 hours caused today’s outage, resulting in a cascade of power plants shutting down owing to a loss of load.
However, attempts to restore supply have progressed, with electricity restored in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory by 13:00 hours.
It also announced the upcoming start of an investigative public hearing to determine the immediate and remote causes of periodic grid disruptions and massive outages.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the system operator function from Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is currently underway, with the expectation that an independent system operator will foster greater discipline in grid management and optimise infrastructure investment.
“In order to find a permanent solution to the national grid’s issues, the Commission will soon hold an investigative public hearing to investigate the immediate and remote causes of recurring grid disturbances and massive outages.
“We will shortly announce the date and venue of the public hearing in the national dailies, and we encourage stakeholders to participate,” according to the statement.