By Abisola THOMPSON
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), says it is presently backfeeding feeders of Kano Electricity Distribution Company(KEDC) affected by recent failure of its 150MVA 132/33kV power transformers in Kumbotso transmission substation.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Ndidi Mbah in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said the backfeeding was from TCN’s available 2 x 150MVA transformers in the station to ensure consistent bulk electricity supply.
She said the company was carrying out repairs on the 150MVA 330/132kV power transformer which tripped-off on Jan 1.
Mbah said on Jan.1, one of its 150MVA transformers in Kumbutso substation tripped-off, causing TCN to lose about 90Mega Watt (MW) on the Kano–Kankia – Katsina 132 kV line 1.
She said the tripped transformer which feeds Kankia, Katsina and Daura and Kumbotso-Dakata 132 kV transmission lines affected electricity supply to Kankia,Katsina and Daura in Katsina state.
Mbah said Sabon Gari, Dakata, Bompai, Mariri and Gezawa in Kano state were also affected in the supply of electricity.
She said TCN had since isolated the faulty transformer and rearranged its bulk electricity load delivery to Kano Disco to ensure that customers who fed from the alternative transformer still receive electricity.
“Presently, Dakata substation feeds from transformer T2A through Hadejia line, while Kankia-Katsina and Daura now gets supply from Transformer T4A.
“Tamburawa Substation on the other hand now receives power supply through Kaduna-Zaria-Kano 132kV transmission line.’’
She said TCN engineers had equally carried out intensive tests on the faulty transformer, adding that the tests revealed that short circuit in the winding caused the tripping.
According to Mbah, required parts for repair work were quickly procured and repair works have commenced in earnest to quickly bring the 150MVA power transformer back into circuit.
She said the Kumbotso transmission substation was one of the substations the company planed to put in place N-1 capacity this year, noting that TCN had procured transformers, including 150MVA capacity.
Mbah said the vessels conveying the procured transformers were presently at the nation’s sea ports waiting to berth but for congestion at the ports.
She said TCN was working with the ports authority to fast-track the berthing and clearance of the two 150MVA 330/132kV transformers and install them at the Kumbotso substation and other substations.
Mbah also expressed TCN apologies to the governor and people of Kano State for the inconveniences experienced and pledged to quickly resolve the problem with the faulty transformer.
She said the company was intensifying efforts to clear and install the new transformers, noting that the installation would further increase total transmission capacity nationwide.—-NAN
