TCN Rejects PHEDC’s Capacity Figures, Provides Accurate Data
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has noted with concern a social media post published on April 2, 2026, by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), which claimed that TCN’s transmission wheeling capacity stands at 7,300MW, with an operational capacity of between 4,000MW and 5,000MW.
The General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Friday, April 3, said TCN wishes to firmly correct this inaccurate representation.
“It is important to clarify that daily power output on the national grid is determined by a combination of factors: the capacity nominated by Distribution Companies (DisCos), the generation declared by Generation Companies (GenCos), and the transmission capacity declared by TCN. Each of these market participants is subject to penalties if they fail to meet their declared capacities.
“This raises a critical question: Do DisCos nominate beyond 4,000MW to 5,000MW? This is an issue PHEDC must address before making publications that may mislead the public. On a day-ahead basis, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) evaluates submissions from all market participants and balances them to determine what is ultimately generated, transmitted, and distributed.” She said.
TCN’s Verified Transmission Wheeling Capacity: 8,700MW
According to her, TCN’s current verified transmission wheeling capacity stands at 8,700MW. This figure originated from simulations conducted by the Independent System Operator (ISO) when it was part of TCN and has since been reinforced through sustained, capital-intensive investments in transmission infrastructure.
These investments include transformer installations, construction of new substations, and the reconductoring of transmission lines, among other critical upgrades. The 8,700MW capacity is a matter of public record and reflects TCN’s continuous commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s grid.
The 7,300MW figure cited by PHEDC is outdated and no longer representative of TCN’s current capabilities. With several completed and ongoing projects since the last system simulation, a new assessment would likely indicate even higher capacity.
Operational Milestones Contradict the 4,000–5,000MW Claim
Recent, verifiable records across the power sector clearly contradict the assertion that TCN can only transmit between 4,000MW and 5,000MW.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the sector recorded three successive peak generation milestones, all successfully transmitted by TCN:
March 4, 2025: Peak generation of 5,801.84MW at 49.69Hz frequency, with a maximum daily energy of 128,370.75MWh — the highest in Nigeria’s power sector history. TCN successfully wheeled this entire output to DisCos.
March 2, 2025: Peak generation of 5,713.60MW and daily energy of 125,542.06MWh, efficiently transmitted nationwide.
February 14, 2025: Peak generation of 5,543.20MW and daily energy of 125,159.48MWh, also successfully delivered across the grid.
These independently verifiable figures speak for themselves.
A Call for Accuracy in Power Sector Communication
TCN recognizes that Nigeria’s electricity value chain—from gas supply to generation, transmission, and distribution—is highly interconnected. Each stakeholder has a responsibility to communicate accurately, particularly when referencing areas outside their direct operational control.
Misinformation, whether intentional or not, undermines public trust, distorts the realities of sector progress, and may negatively impact policy decisions and investment confidence.
TCN therefore urges all stakeholders to verify information before publication to ensure that public communication reflects the true state of the nation’s grid infrastructure.
The Company remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and the continued growth and stability of Nigeria’s power sector.
For enquiries or further clarification on TCN’s wheeling capacity, infrastructure, or operational data, stakeholders are encouraged to contact the TCN Public Affairs Division.
