Success Nwogu 
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has said the national grid collapse on Saturday was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at about 8 15hrs and an associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load.
This was contained in a statement issued on the X page of NERC as the commission noted with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances.
It stated that they often have led to marked outages in several states thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability.
It said: “Initial reports on the grid disturbance that occurred this morning indicate that today’s outage was triggered by an explosion of a current transformer at the Jebba transmission station at 0815hrs and an associated cascade of power plants shut down arising from the loss of load.
“However, efforts to restore supply have advanced with power significantly restored, as at 1300hrs, in 33 states and the FCT.
” 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.
“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 incidence of grid disturbances and widespread outages.
“The date and venue of the public hearing will shortly be announced in the national dailies and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.”
