Eee 411
Eee 411
Eee 411
ON
BY
SUBMITTED TO
JUNE 2023
Name: Omotoso Oluwafemi Paul
At the heart of the distribution system is the transmission line network that carries
electricity from power generation plants to distribution substations. These transmission lines are
designed to transport electricity at high voltages, typically ranging from 132 kilovolts (kV) to
330 kV, to minimize power losses over long distances. The transmission lines may be overhead
lines supported by tall towers or underground cables, depending on the terrain and local
infrastructure.
Upon reaching the distribution substations, the high-voltage electricity is lowered to
lower voltages suitable for local distribution. Distribution substations are equipped with
transformers that facilitate this voltage reduction. These transformers play a critical role in
ensuring that electricity is supplied to consumers at safe and usable voltage levels.
From the distribution substations, the electricity is further distributed through primary
distribution lines, also known as feeder lines. These lines carry the stepped-down electricity at
medium voltages, typically ranging from 11 kV to 33 kV, to various areas and neighborhoods
within the distribution network. Primary distribution lines are typically overhead lines supported
by utility poles or sometimes underground cables, depending on the local infrastructure and
requirements.
At strategic points along the distribution network, distribution transformers are installed.
These transformers are located on utility poles or in pad-mounted enclosures and are responsible
for further stepping down the voltage to a level suitable for direct use by consumers. Distribution
transformers are designed to meet the specific voltage requirements of different areas and
consumer types. They play a crucial role in providing the right voltage supply to consumers and
ensuring efficient and safe distribution of electricity.
The transformed electricity is then distributed through secondary distribution lines, also
known as service lines or branch lines. These lines carry the electricity from the distribution
transformers to individual consumers. Secondary distribution lines operate at lower voltages,
typically 230/400 volts for residential areas and 400 volts for commercial and industrial areas.
These lines can be overhead lines supported by utility poles or underground cables, depending on
the local infrastructure and aesthetic considerations.
Service connections, which refer to the electrical connections provided to individual
consumers, are made from the secondary distribution lines. Consumers receive electrical power
through their service connections, enabling them to utilize electricity for various purposes such
as lighting, appliances, machinery, and other electrical devices. The service connections are
typically made through electrical meters, which measure the amount of electricity consumed by
each consumer. These meters record energy usage and are periodically read by distribution
companies for billing purposes and monitoring of electricity consumption.
Distribution companies are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
distribution infrastructure. They carry out routine inspections, maintenance of transformers and
equipment, fault identification and repairs, and upgrading and expanding the distribution
network as required. These activities are crucial to ensuring the reliability and quality of
electricity supply to consumers.
● These distribution companies, which are known as ‘Discos’ are 11 in number and they
are like privately-run companies with a board of directors and management team.
● Depending on which state you reside in, you are expected to pay your electricity bills to a
distribution company.
● Except for Lagos State, all states have a single distribution company that serves them.
This excludes remote areas that share borders with neighboring states.
Here are details of each Electricity Disco across states, and each franchise covered:
● KANN Utility Limited (KANN) is the 60% equity holder in AEDC while the Federal
Government of Nigeria holds 40% equity. The Disco is located at Ziquinchor Street, Off
IBB Way, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
● Victor Osadolor is the chairman while Adeoye Fadeyibi is the MD/ CEO.
Benin Electricity Distribution Company
BEDC is in charge of retail electricity distribution in Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo States, with a
geographical coverage of 55,770 square kilometers.
● The company operates from twenty-five (25) business districts with approximately 350
offices spread across four (4) states with a population of approximately 13 million people
and approximately 4 million households. Henry Ajagbawa is the CEO
● The Disco covers Lagos South (Ojo, Festac, Ijora, Mushin (also Orile areas), Apapa,
Lekki (also Ibeju areas), Lagos Island (also Ajele areas) and parts of Ogun State
(Agbara).
● Sir Emeka Offor is the chairman while Mr. Praveen Chorghade is the MD/CEO who
previously worked in Tata Power.
● The Disco’s head office is located in the Capital Building, 115 MKO Abiola Way, Ibadan,
Oyo State, covering Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and parts of Niger, Ekiti, and Kogi states.
Dr. Henry Ajagbawa is the MD/CEO.
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC)
It is the largest power distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa with its head office located on
Secretariat Road, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa-Ikeja.
● The Disco operates 6 business unit (BU) which includes: Abule Egba BU, Ikeja BU,
Shomolu BU, Ikorodu BU, Oshodi BU, and Akowonjo BU.
● Ikeja Electric services the northern part of Lagos state, servicing over one million
customers.
● Mr. Kola Adesina is the chairman while Folake Soetan is the Chief Executive Officer of
Ikeja Electric.
● It was one of the first DisCos re-taken by the government from its core investors.
● The chairman is Alhaji Babangida Inuwa while Engr. Abdu Mohammed is the MD/CEO.
● Kaduna Electric is the 7th largest DisCo in distribution capacity and the 6th largest in the
number of households among the 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos).
● The office is located in Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna, Kaduna State, and covers Kaduna,
Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
● Engr.Yusuf Usman Yahaya is the MD/CEO of the Kaduna Disco.
Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDC)
KEDC head office is located at 1 Niger Street, Kano State covering Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa
states.
● KEDC gets its bulk power supply from the following: Kumbotso, Zaria Town, and Jos
Transmission Stations.
● The chairman is Ransome Owan, while Dr. Henry Ajagbawa is the MD/CEO.
The chairman is Omatseyin Ayida, while Umar Abubakar Hashidu is the MD/CEO.
Metering and billing systems are an integral part of the distribution process. Meters are
installed at consumers' premises to accurately measure the amount of electricity consumed.
These meters record the energy usage, which is used for billing purposes. Distribution companies
collect the meter readings and calculate the electricity consumption for each consumer based on
their tariff structure and billing rates. The billing system ensures that consumers are billed
accurately for the electricity they have consumed.
In conclusion, the distribution of electricity in Nigeria involves a complex and extensive
process. It encompasses the transmission of electricity from power generation sources to
distribution substations, voltage transformation through transformers, distribution through
primary and secondary distribution lines, service connections to consumers, metering, and
billing, and the operation and maintenance of the distribution infrastructure.
2. MENTION AND EXPLAIN ON ALL TYPES OF GENERATING STATIONS IN
NIGERIA
In Nigeria, various types of generating stations are used to produce electricity. These
stations utilize different energy sources and technologies to generate power. Here is an extensive
explanation of the different types of generating stations in Nigeria:
Gas-fired power plants are the most prevalent type of generating station in Nigeria. These
plants utilize natural gas as their primary fuel source. Natural gas is extracted from
domestic gas fields and transported to the power plants through pipelines. The gas is then
burned in gas turbines, which drive generators to produce electricity. Gas-fired power
plants are known for their high efficiency, quick start-up times, and flexibility in
responding to changes in electricity demand.
Thermal power plants in Nigeria predominantly use fossil fuels, including coal and oil, as
their energy sources. However, the utilization of coal in thermal power plants is limited.
These plants operate by burning fuel to produce heat. The heat is then used to generate
steam, which drives steam turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
Thermal power plants are typically used for base load generation due to their continuous
and reliable power output.
3. Hydro PowerPlants:
Hydropower plants in Nigeria harness the energy of flowing or falling water to generate
electricity. The country has several major hydropower plants, including the Kainji, Jebba,
and Shiroro dams. These plants rely on the flow of water from reservoirs. The kinetic
energy of the water is converted into mechanical energy by turbines, which are connected
to generators to produce electricity. Hydropower plants are a renewable and
environmentally friendly source of electricity.
Solar power plants utilize photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into
electricity. Nigeria has abundant solar resources, making solar power an attractive option
for electricity generation. Solar panels, consisting of solar cells, capture sunlight and
convert it into electricity. Solar power plants can be deployed on rooftops or as
large-scale installations in open spaces, providing clean and sustainable energy.
Wind power plants harness the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity. While
wind power is still in the early stages of development in Nigeria, there are plans to
establish wind farms in areas with favorable wind conditions, particularly along the
coastal regions. Wind turbines capture the energy of the wind and convert it into
rotational motion. The rotational motion drives a generator, producing electricity.
It's important to note that while Nigeria currently relies heavily on gas-fired power plants and
thermal power plants, there is a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources such as solar,
wind, biomass, and geothermal. The country is actively exploring and investing in these
renewable energy technologies to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance
energy sustainability.
3. MENTION DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRANSFORMERS USED IN THE
GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF POWER IN NIGERIA.
1. Step-Up Transformers:
● These transformers are used in power generation stations to increase the voltage
of electricity generated before it is transmitted through high-voltage transmission
lines.
● Step-up transformers play a crucial role in stepping up the voltage from generator
outputs to match the transmission system's voltage level, reducing transmission
losses over long distances.
2. Step-Down Transformers:
● Step-down transformers are utilized in substations to decrease the voltage of
electricity before it is distributed to consumers.
● These transformers are responsible for stepping down the high transmission
voltages to safer and usable voltage levels for residential, commercial, and
industrial purposes.
3. Auto Transformers:
● Autotransformers are special types of transformers that have a single winding
with multiple taps, serving both step-up and step-down functions.
● They are more compact and cost-effective compared to conventional two-winding
transformers.
● Autotransformers are commonly used in power transmission systems to regulate
voltage levels and provide voltage control.
4. Distribution Transformers:
● Distribution transformers are used in distribution networks to further step down
the voltage of electricity for utilization by end consumers.
● They are typically mounted on utility poles or placed in pad-mounted enclosures
in residential areas, commercial zones, and industrial estates.
● Distribution transformers provide a lower voltage output suitable for direct use by
consumers, ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.
5. Power Transformers:
● Power transformers are large and heavy-duty transformers used in power
generation stations, substations, and transmission networks.
● These transformers are designed to handle high power capacities and voltage
levels.
● Power transformers are essential for stepping up or stepping down voltages in the
transmission and distribution of electricity.
6. Instrument Transformers:
● Instrument transformers include current transformers (CTs) and voltage
transformers (VTs) used for measurement and protection.
● Current transformers are used to measure high current values, converting them
into manageable levels for measurement instruments.
● Voltage transformers, also known as potential transformers (PTs), step down high
voltage levels to safe and measurable values.
7. Isolation Transformers:
● Isolation transformers provide electrical isolation between the input and output
sides of a system.
● They help protect sensitive electronic equipment by isolating them from the main
power supply, eliminating the risk of voltage spikes and electrical noise.
8. Converter Transformers:
● Converter transformers are specialized transformers used in high-voltage direct
current (HVDC) transmission systems.
● HVDC systems are used for long-distance power transmission and
interconnecting different power grids.
● Converter transformers facilitate the conversion of AC power to DC power or
vice versa in HVDC transmission systems.
Each type of transformer plays a crucial role in the efficient generation, transmission, and
distribution of electricity in Nigeria. They enable voltage transformation, power regulation, and
protection to ensure the safe and reliable supply of electrical energy to consumers.
In a power system, various elements work together to generate, transmit, and distribute
electrical energy. These elements include:
1. Generation Plants:
Generation plants produce electrical energy by converting various energy sources into
electricity. These sources include fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil),
renewable sources (such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass), and in some cases, nuclear
energy. Generation plants consist of turbines, generators, control systems, and fuel
storage facilities.
2. Transformers:
Transformers are crucial components in power systems. They facilitate voltage
transformation, both step-up and step-down, to match the voltage levels required for
efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. Transformers help regulate voltage,
reduce losses, and ensure safe and reliable power transfer.
3. Transmission Lines:
Transmission lines transport high-voltage electricity over long distances from power
generation plants to distribution substations. These lines are typically made of overhead
conductors or underground cables. They are designed to minimize power losses and
maintain voltage levels within acceptable limits during transmission.
4. Substations:
Substations are key elements in power systems where voltage levels are transformed,
controlled, and distributed. They receive high-voltage electricity from transmission lines
and step it down to lower voltages suitable for distribution. Substations include
transformers, circuit breakers, switches, protective devices, and control equipment.
5. Distribution Networks:
Metering and billing systems are used to measure and record the amount of electricity
consumed by individual consumers. They include energy meters, data collection systems,
and billing software. These systems enable accurate measurement of energy usage,
facilitate billing processes, and support demand-side management initiatives.
8. Load Centers:
Load centers represent the areas or regions where significant electricity demand exists.
They include cities, industrial zones, and densely populated areas. Load centers require
robust distribution networks, adequate capacity, and efficient load management to meet
the electricity demand of consumers.
These elements work together to form an integrated power system, enabling the efficient
generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy. They ensure a reliable supply of
electricity to meet the demands of consumers while maintaining system stability, safety, and
operational efficiency.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.scirp.org/html/8-1560103_48902.html
2.https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/electricity-power-systems-and-renewable-e
nergy
3. https://nerc.gov.ng/index.php/home/nesi/404-transmission
4.https://energypedia.info/wiki/Nigeria_Electricity_Sector
5.https://nairametrics.com/2022/12/04/electricity-distribution-companies-in-nigeria-and-the-state
s-they-cover/