Transformer Explosion Responsible for Saturday’s National Grid Collapse – NERC

• The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission attributed the latest national grid collapse to a transformer explosion at Jebba Transmission Station, causing widespread blackouts
• NERC plans to conduct a public hearing to investigate the recurring grid disturbances and improve management of Nigeria’s power infrastructure

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has attributed the latest national grid collapse to a transformer explosion at the Jebba Transmission Station.

This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, led to widespread blackouts across several parts of Nigeria, marking the third grid failure in a week.

In a statement shared via social media, NERC expressed concern about the increasing frequency of grid disturbances, which are undermining recent progress made in addressing infrastructure deficits and enhancing grid stability.

According to NERC, the grid failure was triggered by an explosion at 8:15 AM, which caused a series of power plants to shut down.

However, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, power had been largely restored in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NERC assured the public that efforts are being made to improve grid management and optimize investments in power infrastructure.

In its statement, the Commission also announced plans to conduct an investigative public hearing to identify the causes of the recurring grid collapses. The date and venue for the hearing will be announced soon, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

Earlier in the week, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged that the grid collapses result from the poor state of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. He emphasized the need for regional and state-level power grids to prevent frequent nationwide blackouts.