FAULTY TRANSFORMER: TCN BOOST OGHARA SUBSTATION IN DELTA STATE

FAULTY TRANSFORMER: TCN BOOST OGHARA SUBSTATION IN DELTA STATE.

BY EBEN ENASCO KINGSLEY

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has stated that it has completed repairs on the 30MVA 132/33kV power transformer in its Oghara Transmission Substation, Delta State.

The power transformer which was installed by NDDC in September, 2016, was repaired and energized on September 29, 2019.

According to the General Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, Ndidi Mbah, informed that after the 30MVA power transformer tripped on differential protection, the Neutral Bushing of the transformer had lost its insulation and required replacement.

The inquest news reveals that Efforts to get replacement bushing anywhere in the system failed as TCN did not have the transformer brand elsewhere in its system.

It also stated that Spares were not also made available as part of the contract by NDDC.

“As last resort, TCN ordered for the transformer’s brand of bushing abroad, this was delivered and conveyed to Oghara Transmission Substation on September21, 2018. Replacement of the bushing was carried out in-house by TCN engineers, after installation, filtration and testing of the transformer were duly carried out, before the transformer was restored to service in September, 2018”, she remarked.

Continuing, she explained that, “By this repair, TCN had fully resumed the transmission of bulk electricity to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) through the Oghara Substation. Consequently IBEDC is expected to stop load shedding and resume normal supply to Teaching Hospital and Oghara Township.

The statement however revealed that the Oghara Transmission Substation is a 2x30MVA 132/33kV capacity substation constructed by NDPHC and commissioned in March, 2015.

It would be recalled that barely one year after commissioning, the Neutral Bushing of the first 30MVA power transformer developedfault on the 19^th of June, 2016. The second one was however in service until it equally developed fault in 10^th of May, 2018. TCN noted that ithad procured enough spares andhave also commenced repairs on the other transformer.

General Manager (Public Affairs), TCN, Ndidi Mbah though Expressed gratitude to electricity consumers affected by the Oghara Substation Fault, for their patience during the period but pledged to continue to ensure prompt resolution to any fault on the nation’s transmission network.

She also assured that necessary steps for the fortification and standardization of substations, lines and major equipment all over the country have been taken.