Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Benin Region, Engr. Charles C. Iwuamadi, stated that TCN remains the critical link in the power sector value chain, responsible for transmitting bulk electricity from generation companies (GenCos) to distribution companies (DisCos) load centres nationwide. He observed that while power sector challenges have persisted for over two decades with national generation hovering between 4,500MW and 5,000MW, transmission capacity in Edo State and the nation at large is adequate and has continued to grow.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to further strengthen bulk power transmission in Benin axis, citing the newly commissioned Ihovbor-Ajaokuta Transmission Line 1, which evacuates power from Benin to Ajaokuta and onward to Abuja, as well as the turn-in-turn-out project at the Irrua Transmission Substation, which is expected to further enhance bulk power transmission upon completion.
Engr. Iwuamadi explained that TCN lines within the region operate on an N-1 contingency arrangement, which ensures continuity of bulk power supply by providing an alternative line in the event of a fault, adding that the Benin axis has the capacity to restore bulk power supply relatively quickly due to its proximity to generation sources such as the Azura Power Plant.
He however pointed out that TCN’s capacity expansion efforts are being undermined by the activities of vandals and called for stronger support from the state government and host communities in protecting transmission infrastructure.
The General Manager also urged the government to assist TCN in removing encroachments on the right-of-way of transmission lines and corridors, noting that compensation was paid prior to the installation of the transmission towers and lines. He expressed concern over recurring damage to critical assets, which often results in significant losses and sometimes requires weeks to repair. Some miscreants, he said have been arrested by security agencies, including the DSS and NSCDC, but stated that more needs to be done.
On other efforts to boost operational efficiency, the General Manager explained that TCN maintains a strict preventive maintenance programme, which is essential for the optimal performance of its equipment. He urged distribution companies to adopt similar maintenance practices to help strengthen their distribution networks.
The Assistant General Manager (System Operations), Benin Region, Engr. Patrick Amos, clarified that while TCN evacuates all generated power and delivers it to the load centres of distribution companies, the management of supply to end users falls outside their mandate.
Participants at the meeting included representatives of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Azura Power, GTL Power Ltd, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Meter Asset Providers (MAPs),, civil society and community groups.