TCN debunks EEDC’s explosion claim, explains Onitsha substation outage

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has rebutted claims by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) that a reported “explosion” at its Onitsha Sub-Region facility caused the widespread power outage in Anambra State and Oji River, Enugu State.

EEDC on Wednesday attributed the darkness that enveloped Anambra State and Oji River in Enugu State to an early-morning explosion at a Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) station in the Awada area of Anambra.

But, reacting to the report in a statement in Enugu by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the transmission company said the incident that occurred at about 2:34 a.m. on August 27 was the result of an insulation flashover on a porcelain insulator in the 330kV switchyard, triggered by rainfall.

The company confirmed that no equipment was destroyed, adding that supply was restored at 5:54 p.m. the same day.

TCN also disclosed that a scheduled outage had already been planned for August 31 and September 1 to replace faulty porcelain insulators at the substation.

“There was no explosion of equipment or loss of switchgear equipment in the TCN Onitsha region,” the company said, stressing that EEDC’s earlier communication was misleading.

The transmission company further cautioned EEDC against issuing inaccurate or sensational statements, describing such practices as “unprofessional and unacceptable.”

The clarification comes as the power sector continues to grapple with poor infrastructure, frequent system disturbances, and communication lapses between market operators.

Source: The Nation