TCN declares force majeure as NLC, TUC picket 132/ 33KV substations in Owerri, Imo state
Oredola Adeola
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure due to industrial actions by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Imo state leading to who invaded some of the substations and feeders in Owerri, the state capital.
This was announced in a statement signed by Engr. Victor Adewunmi, Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) of TCN, and obtained by EnergyDay on Thursday.
According to TCN, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at about 00:37 hrs, Nigerian Labour Congress / Trade Union Congress officials in Owerri Imo State besieged the Transmission Substation and forcefully opened all the outgoing 33kV feeders.
Engr. Adewunmi said, “The reason for this action according to the unionist was in compliance with a joint order by NIC/TUC to all affiliated unions to withdraw services over labour issues with the Imo State government.
EnergyDay gathered that a total of 54.2MW load was interrupted as a result of their action, involving Umuahia 3.3MW, Airport -17.8MW, Owerri -15.0MW, New Oguta-14.0MW, Alex – 0.2MW and Okigwe- 3.9MW outgoing 33kV feeders.
TCN further noted that “Oguta and Orlu 33kV outgoing feeders were already out on load shedding at the time the incident occurred.
“As a result of the action of the NLC/TUC which was an unfortunate situation, TCN-TSP is regrettably declaring a Force Majeure in accordance with the provision of the market rules in section 46:8:4(d),” the ED TSP noted.
Engr. Adewunmi further emphasised that TCN is constrained to take any action to alleviate the impact of the NLC/TUC Actions on the customers since the labour issues are still ongoing at the moment.
EnergyDay gathered that as at 2 pm on Thursday, Owerri 132/33kV T/S cannot supply coverage area as the picketing of Owerri T/S still subsists.
The TCN, therefore, promised to update all the stakeholders affected regarding the event in accordance with the provision of the Market Rules 46:8:4(h).
EnergyDay’s check showed that the labour unions in the state had a brawl with the Imo state government, following alleged state-sponsored thugs invading the workers’ parade venue to disrupt civil proceedings.
The NLC and TUC had at an emergency joint central working committee meeting directed all their members working with the TCN to paralyse activities in Imo State on Wednesday.
