TCN Rebuts PHEDC Claim, Says Grid Capacity Now 8,700MW
Oru Leonard
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has strongly refuted claims by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) regarding its transmission capacity, describing the figures circulated on social media as outdated and misleading.
In a statement issued on April 3, 2026, TCN expressed concern over PHEDC’s assertion that its wheeling capacity stands at 7,300MW, with operational performance between 4,000MW and 5,000MW, insisting that such claims do not reflect current realities in the power sector.
TCN clarified that electricity output on the national grid is determined by a coordinated process involving Generation Companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies (DisCos), and the transmission network. According to the company, daily generation levels depend on what DisCos nominate, what GenCos declare available, and what TCN confirms it can transmit, with penalties in place for any shortfall in declared capacities.
The company questioned whether DisCos, including PHEDC, consistently nominate power above the 4,000MW to 5,000MW range, urging stakeholders to verify their data before making public statements.
Providing updated figures, TCN stated that its current verified transmission wheeling capacity stands at 8,700MW. This, it said, is based on system simulations and reflects years of sustained investments in critical infrastructure such as substations, transformers, and transmission lines. The 7,300MW figure referenced by PHEDC, it added, is obsolete and no longer representative of the grid’s capability.
TCN also pointed to recent operational records to counter claims of limited transmission performance. It noted that in the first quarter of 2025, the national grid successfully transmitted multiple peak generation levels above 5,500MW, including a historic high of 5,801.84MW recorded on March 4, 2025.
Other milestones cited include 5,713.60MW on March 2, 2025, and 5,543.20MW on February 14, 2025, all of which were efficiently transmitted across the network.
The company stressed that these independently verifiable achievements demonstrate its ability to handle significantly higher loads than the figures suggested by PHEDC.
While acknowledging the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s electricity value chain, TCN emphasized the need for accuracy in public communication. It warned that misinformation, intentional or otherwise, could erode public confidence, distort sector progress, and negatively impact policy and investment decisions.
TCN therefore urged all industry players to verify information before publication, particularly when commenting on areas outside their direct control.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and collaboration, the company said it remains focused on expanding grid capacity and strengthening the nation’s power infrastructure.
It added that further enquiries on its operations and infrastructure can be directed to its Public Affairs Division.
