TCN Commences Grid Expansion In Benin

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin region, has initiated a comprehensive expansion and upgrade of facilities at its work centers in Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states. The objective is to enhance the power grid’s capacity, facilitating increased power transmission to the distribution companies operating in these regions.

Engr. Issac Okpe, the TCN General Manager in the region, revealed this information during a media briefing following an inspection of facilities at Benin region, Benin sub-region, and Ihovbor work center situated in Benin City.

Okpe clarified that upon the completion of the ongoing expansion and upgrading efforts in the Benin region, the TCN’s capacity, presently at the 330kV level, will be elevated from approximately 615 megawatts to 1,152.5 megawatts.

“At 132kv level our current capacity is 984 megawatts, but at the end of the upgrade, it would become 1,744 megawatts. With this, we would have more than enough capacity to take care of Edo State, parts of Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states under our Benin region,” he said.

The general manager listed the project to include expansion/upgrading of 2x150MVA to 2x300MVA 330/132kV power transformer at Benin region, upgrading of 1x40MVA to 1x100MVA 132/33kV power transformer at Benin sub-region, restoration of T2 40 MVA transformer at Okada 132/33kV line following the installation of 300KVA grounding transformer.

“At Omotosho Sub Region, there is expansion/upgrading at Ondo TS of 2x30MVA to 2x60MVA, commissioning of new 2x40MVA power transformer at 132/33KV line at Erinje sub-station, ongoing upgrade/expansion of 1x185MVA power transformer at Ughelli 132/33kV line at Delta Sub Region, upgrading of one by 60MVA to 100MVA power transformer and commissioning of 150MVA 330/132kV Inter bus transformer at Ughelli last year,” he said.

Others are installation of additional 150MVA, 330/132/33kV, Ihovbor Work Centre, upgrade of 1x60MVA to 100MVA power transformer, installing a new one by 100MVA power transformer at Irrua transmission station in addition to the existing 1x30MVA and 1x60MVA transformer.

“At the Sapele work centre, there is upgrade of 1x30MVA to 1x60MVA 132/33kV Power Transformer at Amukpe transmission station, ongoing 132kV Turn-In Turn-Out line at Amukpe transmission station and upgrading of 60MVA to 100MVA at Effurun transmission station,” he said.

He mentioned that certain projects are scheduled to be revealed by the conclusion of December 2023 and January 2024.

However, Okpe pointed out challenges facing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), including the vandalization of facilities leading to grid failures, encroachment on TCN land, conducting business activities beneath transmission towers and power lines, as well as road construction and excavation activities beneath towers and power lines.

He issued a stern warning to the public against vandalizing towers and power lines, emphasizing that such actions could result in immediate fatalities when the lines collapse.

Furthermore, Okpe highlighted the role of TCN in the electricity supply chain, explaining that TCN is responsible for transporting electricity generated by Generating Companies (GENCOS) and then conveying it to Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

“We are also the only company in the power industry that has a licence to the national grid. Benin region covers the whole of Edo State, Delta State and parts of Ondo and Ekiti States. We have three subregions and two work centers. Our main customer is Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),” the TCN boss said.

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