The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has completed repairs on the 30MVA 132/33kV power transformer in its Oghara Transmission Substation, Delta State that developed fault on the 10th of May, 2018. 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) Ndidi Mbah, TCN said that after the 30MVA power transformer tripped on differential protection, investigations carried out on the transformer revealed that the Neutral Bushing of the transformer had lost its insulation and required replacement. Efforts to get replacement bushing anywhere in the system failed as TCN did not have this transformer brand elsewhere in its system. 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 September 21, 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.
By this repair, TCN said that it 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 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 developed fault on the 19th of June, 2016. The second one was however in service until it equally developed fault in 10th of May, 2018. TCN noted that it had procured enough spares and have also commenced repairs on the other transformer.
TCN expressed gratitude to electricity consumers affected by the Oghara Substation Fault, for their patience during the period and pledged to continue to ensure prompt resolution to any fault on the nation’s transmission network. It also assured that necessary steps for the fortification and standardization of substations, lines and major equipment all over the country have been taken.