By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has dismissed as inaccurate recent claims by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) regarding the nation’s transmission capacity, insisting that the country’s grid can currently wheel up to 8,700 megawatts (MW).
In a statement issued , TCN expressed concern over a social media post by PHEDC published on April 2, which alleged that TCN’s wheeling capacity stood at 7,300MW, with operational performance ranging between 4,000MW and 5,000MW.
The transmission company described the figures as outdated and misleading, emphasizing that its capacity has significantly improved due to sustained investments in infrastructure, including new substations, transformers, and upgraded transmission lines.
TCN clarified that electricity supply on the national grid is determined by a combination of generation availability, distribution company nominations, and transmission capability. It questioned whether distribution companies, including PHEDC, consistently nominate power above the 4,000MW to 5,000MW range they referenced.
According to TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) coordinates daily generation and supply levels by balancing declarations from generation companies (GenCos), distribution companies (DisCos), and the transmission network.
The company stated that its verified wheeling capacity currently stands at 8,700MW, a figure previously established through system simulations and strengthened by ongoing infrastructure expansion projects. It noted that the 7,300MW figure cited by PHEDC no longer reflects present realities.
Highlighting recent operational achievements, TCN pointed to multiple peak generation records in the first quarter of 2025 that exceeded the disputed range.
These include a peak of 5,801.84MW recorded on March 4, 2025 — the highest in Nigeria’s history — all of which was successfully transmitted across the grid.
Other milestones include 5,713.60MW on March 2, 2025, and 5,543.20MW on February 14, 2025, both efficiently delivered to distribution companies nationwide.
TCN warned that inaccurate reporting within the power sector could erode public confidence, distort policy discussions, and discourage investment.
It urged all stakeholders to verify information before making public statements, particularly when referencing data outside their operational scope.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and sector development, the company encouraged enquiries through its Public Affairs Division for accurate and up-to-date information.
The statement was signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN.
