TCN Faults IKEDC Over Alleged Misrepresentation of Power Outages, Blames Gas Supply Constraints
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has faulted Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) for attributing recent power outages affecting its Band A customers to grid instability, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
TCN, in a press release on Friday, November 6, 2026, said the outages recorded on November 3 and 4 were largely linked to reduced electricity generation arising from gas supply constraints to thermal power plants and lower water inflows into hydroelectric stations.
The company urged IKEDC to rely on verified information from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which is responsible for determining the causes of disturbances and interruptions on the national grid.
According to TCN, NISO had already clarified on November 5 that declining power generation was responsible for the reduced energy allocated to electricity distribution companies (DisCos), resulting in fewer hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding.
TCN maintained that the shortfall experienced by IKEDC customers was not caused by any failure of its transmission network, stressing that it could only transmit electricity generated and made available to it.
Citing operational records for feeders supplying IKEDC, TCN disclosed that 68 per cent of interruptions recorded on November 1 and 2 resulted from frequency-control load shedding caused by low generation.
It said another 26 per cent were linked to IKEDC’s failure to comply with load allocations issued by NISO’s National Control Centre or faults and maintenance works on the distribution company’s network.
The remaining six per cent, according to TCN, resulted from its planned maintenance, switching operations or line limitations.
The transmission company stressed that none of the recorded interruptions was caused by equipment failure or a trip on its network.
Providing further details on the 33kV feeders listed in IKEDC’s notice, TCN said 29 out of 46 interruptions were caused by frequency-control load shedding arising from low generation.
It added that 14 incidents were attributable to IKEDC, comprising nine cases of non-compliance with load allocation and five faults or trips on its network, while the remaining three resulted from scheduled TCN maintenance on the Ogba-Alimosho line on November 1.
TCN also cited the Rack Centre feeder incident on November 2, explaining that the interruption resulted from a cable fault on IKEDC’s network, which was subsequently repaired by the company’s crew.
It further noted that IKEDC’s own notice had attributed faults affecting some feeders, including MTN, Iju Water Works and Rack Centre, to its distribution network.
TCN warned that attributing generation-related electricity shortages to transmission failures could mislead customers, undermine public confidence and distract attention from the actual challenges confronting the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The company urged IKEDC and other distribution companies to desist from making unverified claims about the causes of electricity supply interruptions.
It also advised electricity consumers to consult NISO’s official communication channels for accurate updates on the state of the national grid.
While sympathising with affected customers, TCN reaffirmed its commitment to transmitting all available electricity safely and efficiently despite prevailing operational constraints.
