The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has assured the public of the completion of the World Bank sponsored Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system deployment project by the end of the forth quarter of 2024
The chairman of the TCN steering committee on the implementation of the World Bank SCADA/EMS and Telecommunication project, Engr. Balarabe Abdullahi, gave this assurance at a meeting to evaluate the work of the committee in Abuja on Thursday.
SCADA is a system that allows for perfect monitoring and control of field devices at a remote location. When deployed it will help TCN to monitor and control activities of electricity generating companies, distribution companies and the transmission network.
Commending members of the committee for their efforts towards ensuring the smooth implementation of the project, Engr Abdullahi who is also the General Manager, Technical Services (TCN) said all is now set for the full deployment of the new SCADA system.
He stated that the deployment will help reduce most of the challenges associated with efficient supply of electricity in the country.
According to him, the steering committee has worked tirelessly with the contractor and staff of TCN across the country to identify possible challenges that can hinder execution of the project.
He stated that some gaps has been identified and the committee is set to meet with TCN management to find ways to resolve them.
Presenting the report of the steering committee on the rehabilitation of the World Bank SCADA for internal review, TCN Executive Director, Independent System Operator, Engr. Mamman Lawal, said all equipment for the project have been imported into the country.
However, he noted that contractor are having problems with the payment of 7.5 percent value added tax (VAT) as the waver extended to the industry expired last year.
He called on the management of TCN to reach out to the federal government so as to renew the waver as the cost component of VAT was not included in the initial plan.
According to him, staff of TCN have been sent to Europe and China for training in every area including the technical and telecommunication management of the SCADA system when deployed.
Meanwhile, the TCN has announced that its “contractors will begin the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) along the Benin-Ihovbor transmission lines and rehabilitation of SCADA System in its Benin transmission network. The exercise will commence tomorrow, Friday, December 1st, to Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.”
According to a statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN said that because of the rehabilitation project, “there will be power interruption for five hours from 9:00am to 2:00pm on the stated days to create a safe working environment for the contractors.
“During the period, Benin DisCo will be unable to offtake power from the following feeders for onward distribution to its customers, including; Egor 33kV, Evbuotubu 33kV, GRA 11kV Commercial, GRA 33kV, Ihama 11kV, Ugbor 11kV, Dumez 11kV, Oluku 33kV, Uwelu 11kV, Iguosa 11kV, lyowa 11kV, and Oluku 11kV feeders.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this will cause electricity consumers that are supplied electicity by Benin Distribution Company from the affected feeders. The installations are a necessity as they will contribute to grid stability.”
