By Dele Ogbodo
In line with federal government’s Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program (TREP) of incremental power,
the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has again successfully completed the installation of two units of 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers at Papelanto and Okpella Transmission Substations in Ogun State and Edo State.
The 60MVA transformer in Okpella will be commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh on Saturday 22nd as part of ceremony in his honour by his ancestral home, Igara, Headquarters of Akoko-Edo LGA, in Edo State.
The 60MVA at Papalanto will be commissioned by the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, at a later date.
The 60MVA power transformer installed at Okpella, is long overdue and will greatly support the industrial policy of the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, which is based on the existence of huge deposit of limestone and other solid minerals in the area. Already BUA Cement has a factory at Okpella which could be expanded with improved power supply.
According to the statement issued by TCN General Manager Public Affairs Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, prior to the new installation, the capacity of Okpella Substation was only 15MVA and has now increased to 75MVA with the installation of a 60MVA power transformer. Consequently, several communities including Okpella, BUA Cement Company, Agenebode and environs, who are customers of Benin Electricity Distribution Company are expected to experience improved power supply.
Also, the capacity of Papalanto Substation was 75MVA before the new 60MVA power transformer was installed. The additional transformer has increased the stations capacity to 132MVA. Electricity users in Ilaro, Lapeleke, Sango, Onihale and environs in in Ogun State who are customers of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company are expected to experience improved power supply. Potential eligible customers such as Lords Mint and Dolphin could also benefit from the increased supply.
TCN noted that several projects are currently on-going in its network nationwide and re-affirmed its resolve to continue to pursue and implement the incremental power policy of the Federal Government by consistently investing in capacity expansion initiatives through TREP. TCN expressed gratitude to the minister for providing the needed leadership under which the company has continued to achieve laudable milestones.