By Frank Momoh
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over the week end said that it has completed and energized
the first phase of the ongoing brand new Transmission Substation in Ekim, Akwa Ibom State.
This phase comprise a 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer and three outgoing 33kV feeder bays. The transformer was energized early this month.
In a statement signed by the General manager (Public Affairs) Ndidi Mbah, TCN said that although the first phase has been completed and energized, the 2x60MVA capacity substation would be completed with the execution of the second phase, which also comprise one 60MVA power transformer and three feeder bays.
According to TCN, the Ekim Transmission Substation project is being executed in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government. While TCN provides and installs the transformers, switchgears and gantries using its in-house engineers, the Akwa Ibom State Government is providing all the civil works associated with the
execution of the project.
Having energized the first phase of the project, TCN noted that it now has available, additional 48MW of bulk power supply for PHEDC to off take, through the three feeders to its customers such as the Akwa Ibon State University, Coconut Oil Refinery, Meter Manufacturing Factory, Syringe Factory, Ikot Abasi and Onna
LGAs, Easter Obolo as well as Mkpat Enin. It is expected that with more supply to PHEDC through the new substation, these customers would experience more hours of stable and sustained power supply.
TCN noted that the Ekim transmission substation is one of the new transmission substation projects it had successfully executed within the last one year. Several other transmission projects are also ongoing nationwide in line with its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme aimed at growing a robust transmission
grid.