The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has given reasons why the nation experienced blackout last weekend.
It said the blackout was caused by emergency maintenance at the National Gas Company’s pipeline supplying gas to Egbin, Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Paras power stations.
In the statement issued on Sunday, TCN said a leakage was noticed on the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System gas pipeline leading to the need to close down four power generating plants on April 25, 2019.
According to the statement by TCN, repairs have been completed and the pipeline is at the moment being pressurised in preparation for the resumption of gas supply to power stations.
It also noted that about 312MW load has been diverted from the Benin-Egbin 330KV transmission to Omotosho–Ikeja West and Ayede-Ikeja 330kV transmission lines as a result of repair work on the Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission line.
“The tripping was caused by a line cut between Ofofu and Okada towns. However, TCN engineers are making concerted efforts to complete repair work on the transmission line, despite the very difficult terrain at that location,” the statement, read.
TCN further said load shedding increased due to gas supply and leakage problems.
They apologised to Nigerians for any inconvenience experienced during the blackouts adding that power supply would be restored soon.