TCN Identifies Priority Projects for Maximum Impact on Network

Ejiofor Alike
Apparently worried by the weak transmission network and the poor electricity generation, which has caused instability in the national grid, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently held a one-day management retreat to brainstorm and strategise on the way forward for the company.

During the programme, three specific short term projects were identified as “quick win” projects that should be completed with the least amount of money and yet have maximum impact on the transmission network.
According to a statement by the company, these quick win projects would be given highest priority attention in order to improve the network and increase return on investment.

“The projects include the installation of a 60MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformer at the Ife transmission Substation; installation would be completed within three months, adding 48MW to the nation’s transmission capacity. Repair and installation of 60No defective 33kV circuit breakers which would be completed within six months and on completion enhance the grid wheeling capacity with about 28,800MWH (megawatt hour),” said the statement.

The statement added that within a period of six months, critical and international 330kV lines are to be maintained to ensure system stability and revenue earnings.

The statement noted that these projects when completed will increase TCN wheeling charges by over N700million.
“ Another important decision of the meeting was the urgent need to empower the regions, increase their autonomy and set Key Performance Indicators (KPI) through which they can be monitored and held accountable. A change management process would also be instituted to address staff attitude to work, remove bottlenecks in TCNs payment process, identify and close skill gaps through staff training with emphasis on-the-job training,” the statement added.

The retreat was attended by all top management staff (Nigerian counterparts) of the company, from the headquarters and regional offices nationwide.
The retreat themed “The Way Forward” extensively discussed the company’s operations, and how to ensure that it achieves specific short term goals.

It critically analysed the company’s strengths, weaknesses and areas to be improved upon as well as opportunities available for improved service delivery, sustained capacity development and stability in the nation’s transmission network.
After the retreat, the communiqué issued noted that the company has the capacity to wheel maximum generation from Gencos to Discos, but would still continue to work assiduously, to further expand its grid capacity so as to ensure that it continues to surpass the generation curve.
The communiqué added that though the grid stability is presently impaired by lack of adequate generation, TCN would continue to work at averting the collapse of the system.