Power Outage: NERC to Conduct Investigative Public Hearing, Unbundles System Operator Function

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has expressed concern over escalating incidents of grid disturbances, resulting in widespread outages across several states.

According to initial reports, today’s outage was triggered by an explosion at the Jebba transmission station at 8:15 a.m., leading to a cascade of power plant shutdowns.

However, restoration efforts have made significant progress, with power restored in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as of 1:00 p.m.

To address these challenges, NERC in a statement issued on Saturday says it is unbundling the System Operator function from the Transmission Company of Nigeria Plc, as provided for in the Electricity Act 2023.

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This move aims to promote discipline in grid management and optimize infrastructure investments.

In pursuit of a permanent solution, the commission will conduct an investigative public hearing to identify the immediate and remote causes of recurring grid disturbances and widespread outages.

Details of the public hearing, including date and venue, will be announced in national dailies as stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)