Blackout: National grid collapses again plunging Nigeria into darkness

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Nigeria’s national energy infrastructure crashed early on Monday, at 2:00 a.m., resulting in a total blackout.

According to data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the four generation companies generated 0MW starting approximately 2:00 a.m. today morning.

Furthermore, load allocation to Discos was nil at the time of filing this report in seven of the 11 electrical distribution companies (Discos), with the exceptions being Ikeja, Benin, Abuja, and Ibadan Discos. This morning, Discos had a total load allocation of only 250MW.

The TCN has yet to certify the collapse of the grid. If true, this would be the sixth grid breakdown this year, adding to the country’s ongoing power outages.

Earlier this month, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased the electricity tariff for ‘Band A’ users by over 300% to N225/KWh in an effort to promote investment and cut the Federal Government’s electricity subsidy. Diverse emotions have followed the move, with some members of the public applauding and others condemning the hike.

If the recent fall continues without resuscitation for an extended period of time, it will have a detrimental impact on businesses and households.