Florence Sadiku
A team of linesmen from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at about 5 pm Wednesday evening discovered the fault on the Ugwuaji – Apir 330kV Double Circuit transmission line in the Igumale area of Benue State.
According to Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, the fault area of the transmission line, which measures about one span, was found to be a snapped 330kV transmission line located in the swampy forest of Igumale. Having made the discovery earlier in the evening of Wednesday, arrangements are already ongoing to mobilise equipment and materials that would be moved to the site of the incident to enable TCN to commence repair works.
Due to the difficult and swampy nature of the terrain, TCN says it would require moving a bulldozer and other materials for the repair works from the Enugu Regional office of TCN to the site of the incident. A Hiab vehicle would also be moved to Igumale to help TCN properly tension the transmission line.
Recall that on Monday, 21st of October, 2024, the 215KM Uguwaji – Apir Double Circuit transmission line tripped due to a fault, causing a forced power outage across the North East and North West and parts of the North Central regions of the nation. Previous attempts by two dispatched teams to locate the cause of the forced outage were unsuccessful until this evening.
“TCN is committed to promptly addressing the situation and is urgently organising the necessary materials for the repair work.
“We appreciate the patience of the government and electricity customers in the affected states. Please bear with us”, Ndidi Mbah said in a statement.
In another release, TCN informed members of the public that its engineers will carry out planned maintenance on a 33kV feeder at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation, Abuja. This is to enable TCN engineers to install a new 33kV disconnector on the L31 line bay.
The maintenance is also scheduled for today (Thursday, 24th October 2024) from 9 am to 6 pm. “During the period, only one 60MVA power transformer will be out of bulk power supply for nine hours, consequently, Abuja Distribution Company (DisCo) will be unable to offtake bulk power from the affected 60MVA power transformer for onward distribution to its customers in Galadima, Kabusa, Sunnyvale, Suncity Estate, Wonderland, Human Right Radio, Brilla FM, Kubusa Garden Estate, Jewel Apartment and environs.”
TCN apologises for any inconvenience this may cause electricity consumers in the affected areas and notes that adherence to power equipment maintenance is essential for optimal performance.
Eighteen-Eleven Media