Nationwide blackout as grid collapses after fire outbreak in Benin

June 30, 2019 9:19 pm

A fire outbreak at a power substation in Benin, Edo state, has led to the total collapse of the national grid.

The situation has led to power outage across the country.

In a statement, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed the fire outbreak to high voltage.

Ndidi Mbah, general manager, public affairs of TCN, said the development led to a massive drop of load by the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

“‘The shattered lightning arrester porcelain hit the reactor bushing causing further explosion on the reactor resulting in fire outbreak,” the statement read.

“Restoration of the grid commenced immediately and as at 1.30 p.m, bulk power supply to most parts of the nation had been restored.

“The management of TCN commends the efforts and support of the Government of Edo and Benin Electricity Distribution Company as well as the fire service in putting out the fire and restoring normal power supply.”

Mbah said TCN had commenced the movement of another reactor to Benin City to replace the burnt to ensure voltage stability in the city as well as prevent a re-occurrence.

She said TCN would also ensure a review of the entire protection and earthing system nationwide.

She assured Nigerians that TCN management was doing everything possible to modernise, upgrade and stabilise the national grid.

DisCos have been informing their customers of the development via Twitter. June, 2019.”

SYSTEM COLLAPSE

The Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC), wishes to inform her esteemed customers that the present loss of supply in the entire South East, is as a result of a system collapse which occurred at 09:21am of today, 30th June, 2019. pic.twitter.com/wYs2JKVveN

— Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc. (@enugudisco) June 30, 2019

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said efforts were underway to address the issue.

“COA/EEE
“Dear valued customer,
There has been a total system collapse of the National grid as reported today 30/06/2019,” the company tweeted.

“Details as to the cause and duration for restoration are still sketchy as we await more information from our partners at TCN.

“Please be rest assured that all hands are on deck working towards resolving this issue and restoring supply.

“We apologize for any inconveniences caused by this. Thanks as always for your cooperation.”

Dear valued customer,
There has been a total system collapse of the National grid as reported today 30/06/2019. Details as to the cause and duration for restoration are still sketchy as we await more information from our partners at TCN.

— Eko Electricity Distribution Company (@EKEDP) June 30, 2019
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