TCN loses 5MW over bandits destruction of 330KV transmission towers
Adebayo Obajemu
More woes for the quest for stable electricity as the national grid is currently experiencing a loss of 5MW of power, in the wake of the vandalization and destruction of two transmission towers, T377 and T378 by Boko Haram insurgents along the Gombe – Damaturu 330KV transmission line, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has disclosed over the weekend.
The vandalization of the two towers came to light when the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line kept tripping, in spite of several efforts towards its restoration.
TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said restoration plans were underway to mobilize contractors who would re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 33Ok line affected by the incident.
She decried the sabotage, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.
The statement reads, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria regrets to announce the vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers, T377 and T378, along the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, 2024.
“This act, perpetrated by insurgents, resulted
in a load loss of approximately 5MW.
“At approximately 9:35 pm yesterday, the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line experienced a trip. Following initial checks, TCN engineers from the Bauchi regional office attempted the restoration of the line but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN’s linesmen and security operatives to trace the fault. The team, then discovered the two collapsed towers, T377 and T378.
“In the interim, TCN has arranged to temporarily supply electricity to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation. Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to mobilize contractors that will re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 33Ok line affected by the incident.
“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident on the power supply to the affected areas.”
