TCN commences grid expansion in Benin

The TCN General Manager in the region, Engr. Issac Okpe, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists shortly after a tour of its facilities at Benin region, Benin sub-region and Ihovbor work centre located in Benin city.

Okpe explained that at the end of the expansion and upgrading process going on in Benin region, TCN would have upgraded its capacity currently at 330kv level from about 615 megawatts to 1,152.5 megawatts

“At 132kv level our current capacity is 984 megawatts, but at the end of the upgrade, it would become 1,744 megawatts. With this, we would have more than enough capacity to take care of Edo State, parts of Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states under our Benin region,” he said.

The general manager listed the project to include expansion/upgrading of 2x150MVA to 2x300MVA 330/132kV power transformer at Benin region, upgrading of 1x40MVA to 1x100MVA 132/33kV power transformer at Benin sub-region, restoration of T2 40 MVA transformer at Okada 132/33kV line following the installation of 300KVA grounding transformer.

“At Omotosho Sub Region, there is expansion/upgrading at Ondo TS of 2x30MVA to 2x60MVA, commissioning of new 2x40MVA power transformer at 132/33KV line at Erinje sub-station, ongoing upgrade/expansion of 1x185MVA power transformer at Ughelli 132/33kV line at Delta Sub Region, upgrading of one by 60MVA to 100MVA power transformer and commissioning of 150MVA 330/132kV Inter bus transformer at Ughelli last year,” he said.

Others are installation of additional 150MVA, 330/132/33kV, Ihovbor Work Centre, upgrade of 1x60MVA to 100MVA power transformer, installing a new one by 100MVA power transformer at Irrua transmission station in addition to the existing 1x30MVA and 1x60MVA transformer.

“At the Sapele work centre, there is upgrade of 1x30MVA to 1x60MVA 132/33kV Power Transformer at Amukpe transmission station, ongoing 132kV Turn-In Turn-Out line at Amukpe transmission station and upgrading of 60MVA to 100MVA at Effurun transmission station,” he said.

According to him, some of the project will be unveiled before the end of December, 2023 and January 2024.

Okpe, however, identified vandalisation of facilities, leading to collapse of grids, encroachment on the TCN land, carrying out of business under transmission towers and power lines, construction of road and excavation under towers and power lines among others as challenges confronting.

He warned members of the public to desist from vandalising the towers and line, warning that when the lines fell on people, it resulted in instant death.

He said TCN was responsible for evacuating electricity generated by the Generating Companies (GENCOS) and then wheeling it to the Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

“We are also the only company in the power industry that has a licence to the national grid. Benin region covers the whole of Edo State, Delta State and parts of Ondo and Ekiti States. We have three subregions and two work centers. Our main customer is Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),” the TCN boss said.