The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced efforts by its contractors to erect four new transmission towers along the Jos-Gombe axis.
The initiative aims to reinstate power supply to states in the northeastern region of the country following the previous sabotage of four transmission towers by vandals.
Energy Afrique had earlier reported that vandals targeted four towers along the Jos-Gome 330kV line, damaging towers 288, 289, 290, and 291, leading to their collapse and theft of their parts.
The disruption in power supply affects Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo substations, impacting consumers in areas served by Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies.
In response, TCN said it deployed the Generation Dip/Loss Detection System (GLDS) aimed at swiftly identifying and responding to fluctuations in power generation.
TCN Announces New Date for Restoration of Electricity in North-Eastern Nigeria
Residents across the affected states had previously expressed concerns about the loss of power supply and its adverse impact on their businesses and daily lives.
In a press release dated May 10 and signed by GM Public Affairs Ndidi Mbah, TCN disclosed indicated that full restoration of bulk power transmission is anticipated by May 27, 2024.
It read in part: “The tower collapse affected Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi and Jalingo. Immediately after the incident however, TCN engineers worked first to redistribute available bulk supply on the Jos – Bauchi – Gombe 132kV line between Jos and Yola Discos, while work commenced immediately at reconstructing the four vandalized towers.
“Presently, we are rebuilding the four towers simultaneously. Progress is evident, with one tower nearing 80% completion, another at 60%, a third at 30%, and dismantling work finished on the fourth tower. Additionally, tower members are being fabricated and assembled on-site to expedite construction. We are committed to a quick restoration of bulk power on the line route.
“Construction work on the Jos – Gombe transmission line, taking supply up to Damaturu and environs will be completed and energized by the 20th of May, 2024, while the Damaturu – Maiduguri axis will be completed on the 27th of May, 2024. Expectedly, bulk power transmission would be fully restored on the affected 330kV transmission line by the 27th of May, Yola and Jos DisCos would also be able to offtake and distribute optimally from TCN substations.
“For now, only 38MW is wheeled to both Jos and Yola Distribution companies, with each receiving 19MW each. Efforts to take some of the available power to Jalingo were hampered by very high voltage on the line, which could cause a system disturbance.
“TCN is aware of the inconveniences resulting from the current inadequate power supply through Yola and Jos DisCos to electricity customers in the affected states, and pledges to earnestly expedite work on the towers, to ensure that the towers are completed within the time frame indicated. Please bear with us.”
