Nigeria: Power Load Shedding in Kano As Fire Guts 150mva Transformer

Parts of Kano City and environs are experiencing
power rationing resulting from the loss of a 150MVA,
330/132/33kV power transformer and control cables
attached to two other 150MVA power transformers in
the Transmission Substation, Kumbotso in Kano Sate.
A statement by Transmission Company of Nigeria
(TCN) Management, signed by the General Manager
Public Affairs, Seun Olagunju said one of the four
150MVA power transformers in the substation caught
fire after an explosive sound was heard at the
switchyard.
The fire, which destroyed one out of the four 150MVA
power transformers in the substation was eventually
put off by the Kano state fire service.
The statement further said "during the fire, oil from
the burnt 150MVA transformer, spilled into the cable
trench connecting two other transformers in the
substation, causing the burning of the cables.
"The fire however did not affect the transformers
themselves. The fourth 150MVA power transformer in
the substation, was not affected in any way by the
fire and has since been restored by TCN's engineers".
TCN explained that "it is presently sourcing
materials from its stores for the replacement of the
burnt control cables to the two healthy 150MVA power
transformers that were not affected by the fire, so that
it can quickly restore transmission of electricity
through them.
"Investigations are also ongoing by the company's
engineers to determine the extent of damage to the
burnt 150MVA power transformer, so that plans can
be put in place for its immediate repair".
With the completion of the cable repair works, TCN
said that the capability of the 510MW substation
would have reduced to 383MW, which is still far in
excess of the peak load demand of 250MW ever
recorded in the area.
This means that normal power supply would be
restored as soon as the two healthy power
transformers are energised, the company added.