The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, has announced that it has begun discussions to hand over the management of the national grid to an Independent System Operator in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 to engender more discipline in grid management.
NERC yesterday disclosed that an explosion incident at the Jebba transmission station was the cause of the latest national grid collapsewhich took place early Saturday.
The commission noted that efforts were being made to ensure a swift restoration of power, and the process was progressing significantly. As of 1 p.m. on Saturday, power was restored in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The recent collapse of the grid makes it the third time it has happened in one week, which threw the residents into darkness. Recall that the grid tripped off on Monday and on Tuesday when it was being restored.
The NERC, in a statement posted on its official X handle, acknowledged the recent rise in grid disturbances that have resulted in significant outages.
The statement noted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is concerned about the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances, which often lead to marked outages in several states, thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing the infrastructure deficit and improving grid stability.
It further noted that an investigative public hearing to identify immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages will be conducted very soon.
Speaking on the planned handover of the gride to new management, it was noted that in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the unbundling of the System Operator function out of Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc is ongoing with the expectation that an Independent System Operator would engender more discipline in grid management and optimised investment in infrastructure.
The statement noted that in pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing to identify immediate and remote causes of recurring incidences of grid disturbances and widespread outages.
It was noted that the date and venue of the public hearing would shortly be announced in the national dailies, with stakeholders encouraged to participate.
