In line with the expansion of transmission infrastructure, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has completed and energised the first phase of the ongoing brand new transmission substation in Ekim, Akwa Ibom State, to increase bulk power supply for the district.
TCN confirms that the repairs is in line with its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme aimed at growing a robust transmission grid in the country, as a means of addressing shortfall of power transmission.
This phase comprises a 60MVA 132/33kV power transformer and three outgoing 33kV feeder bays. The transformer was energised early this month.
Ndidi Mbah, general manager, public affairs, TCN, says although the first phase has been completed and energised, the 2x60MVA capacity substation would be completed with the execution of the second phase, which also comprises 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.
Mba confirms that while TCN provides and installs the transformers, switchgear, and gantries using its in-house engineers, the Akwa Ibom government is providing all the civil works associated with the execution of the project.
The TCN notes that with the completion of the first phase, 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 Ibom 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.
It notes further that the Ekim transmission substation is one of the new transmission substation projects it had successfully executed within the last one year.
