Power Dispute: TCN Faults PHEDC Over ‘Inaccurate’ Transmission Capacity Figures
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has faulted a recent social media post by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), describing its claims about the nation’s transmission capacity as inaccurate and outdated.
PHEDC had stated that TCN’s transmission wheeling capacity stands at 7,300 megawatts (MW), with an operational range of between 4,000MW and 5,000MW. However, TCN rejected the figures, insisting they do not reflect the current reality of Nigeria’s power sector.
According to TCN, electricity output on the national grid is determined by a combination of factors, including generation capacity declared by GenCos, demand nominations by Distribution Companies (DisCos), and TCN’s declared transmission capability. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), it said, harmonises these inputs daily to determine actual power generation and distribution levels.
TCN questioned whether DisCos, including PHEDC, consistently nominate power above 4,000MW to 5,000MW, urging stakeholders to verify such operational dynamics before making public statements.
The company maintained that its verified transmission wheeling capacity is currently 8,700MW, a figure derived from system simulations conducted by the Independent System Operator when it was part of TCN. It noted that sustained investments in infrastructure—such as transformer installations, substation upgrades, and transmission line reconductoring—have significantly boosted grid capacity over time.
TCN added that the 7,300MW figure cited by PHEDC is outdated and fails to account for several completed and ongoing projects that have further strengthened the grid.
To support its position, TCN pointed to recent milestones in the power sector, noting that it successfully transmitted record peak generation levels in early 2025. These include 5,801.84MW on March 4, 2025—the highest in Nigeria’s history—alongside 5,713.60MW on March 2 and 5,543.20MW on February 14, all of which were efficiently wheeled to distribution companies nationwide.
The transmission company stressed that these independently verifiable records contradict claims that it can only transmit between 4,000MW and 5,000MW.
While acknowledging the interdependent nature of Nigeria’s electricity value chain, TCN cautioned against the spread of misinformation, noting that inaccurate communication could erode public trust and distort policy and investment decisions.
It called on all stakeholders in the power sector to verify information before publication and to ensure that public statements accurately reflect current realities.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and continued investment in strengthening Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure. It also advised that enquiries regarding its operations and capacity should be directed to its Public Affairs Division.
