NERC to hold public hearing on causes of frequent grid collapse

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to hold an investigative public hearing to uncover both immediate and underlying causes of recurring grid disturbances.

This follows a series of grid collapses and widespread outages.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NERC emphasised the importance of addressing the ongoing challenges with the national grid, stating, “In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages.”

The commission added that the date and venue for the public hearing would soon be announced in the national dailies, and it encouraged stakeholders to participate in the process.

NERC also expressed concern over the recent rise in grid disturbances, saying, “The commission notes with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances, often leading to marked outages in several states, thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficits and improving grid stability.”

Regarding the latest outage, NERC explained that an explosion at the Jebba transmission station was the primary cause of the grid collapse that occurred earlier that day at 8:15 am.

This explosion led to a cascade of shutdowns at power plants due to load loss. However, efforts to restore electricity supply were underway, with power significantly restored in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory by 1:00 pm.

NERC also highlighted ongoing efforts to reform the national electricity framework. “In line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function (ISO) out of Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is ongoing with the expectation that an independent SO would engender more discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure.”

This collapse marks the third grid failure in just one week and the eighth in 2024.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• UK deports 44 Nigerians, Ghanaians in single flight — Home Office

• National grid: Power restored in parts of Lagos, Osun, Ibadan

• Alleged false claims: DSS slams N5.5bn suit on SERAP

• Why Tinubu, Shettima’s simultaneous foreign trip worrisome — Peter Obi

• UPDATED: Akpabio’s impeachment rumour unacceptable, unspeakable — Senate spokesperson

• No vacuum in governance with Tinubu, Shettima outside Nigeria — Presidency