One of the two 45MVA transformers at Apo transmission Station in Abuja, belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been gutted by fire. The unfortunate incident as announced by the Head of Corporate Communications of TCN Mr Oyebode Fadipe happened on Sunday.
Mr Oyedobe Fadipe giving an update on the fire outbreak at the Apo Transmission Station noted that:
“Our technical team is right now working with the TCN engineers to see how to absorb the load on the 45MVA transformer that was affected by the fire.”
The Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who also was reacting to the fire outbreak, said:
“I am aware of the Apo Transmission Station Fire incident which occurred today (Sunday) affecting the Transmission Transformer and our staff are at the site and on the ground, and the fire has been put out.
“Damages is being assessed and plans underway to redistribute Power to Communities served by the burnt /damaged Transformer at Apo Transmission Sub Station.”
In a Press statement released by TCN a few hours ago after the incident reads:
“The regrets to announce the outbreak of fire on one of her two 45MVA transformers at Apo 132kV Transmission substation in Abuja today. Federal Fire Service and Fire Dept of NNPC have successfully put out the fire. TCN would investigate the cause and extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, TCN Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc are working together to divert the available excess bulk power to other transformers and feeders to continue to serve customers. The attendant discomfort is highly regretted.”
The Apo Transmission Station fire outbreak is coming only a few hours, after TCN announced power rationing in Lagos as the National Grid is experiencing reduced power generation. This as reported by TCN, was due to emergency maintenance by Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) on the pipeline supplying gas to Egbin, Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Paras power stations.
The General Manager, Public Affairs Mrs Ndidi Mbah in a statement on Saturday revealed that the maintenance had necessitated the total shutdown of the four power generating plants on April 25.
Although nothing has been said about how the Apo Transmission Station fire out break is going to affect power distribution, the residence of Abuja and environs under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc are likely to experience total darkness, or rationing, pending when the Apo Transmission Station is restored.