BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that it has successfully restored bulk power supply to some Northern states through its 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1.
It stated that the restoration happened at about 4:56 pm yesterday (in the local time zone), following the completion of repairs on the vandalized section of the line.
This development came after the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu assured of restoring electricity supply to the impacted Northern states by the end of the week at a press briefing organized by TCN on Tuesday.
“I can assure you that before the end of this week, light will be restored to the North. We are exploring the alternative routes. We are hoping that in a matter of days, light will be restored to the North,” said Adelabu.
To ensure stable, reliable, and functional transmission facilities in Nigeria, the Minister mentioned plan to establish a super electricity grid as a backup to the national grid, which is already experiencing frequent collapses.
Adelabu also disclosed the need to shift from the centralized grid to the regional grid to decentralize the national grid.
“We must have state grids, so that each of the regionalized grid will be insulated from each other.”
The Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, provided an update on the progress made, while emphasizing that insecurity at the affected transmission sites has hindered repair completion.
“For line two, almost five span of the line was vandalized. As I am talking to you now, our engineers have been working to make sure that they restore that line. But even in that area, we have to get a military escort before our people can work. Anytime it is getting to 6pm they have to leave the place and go back to a safe place, and come back in the morning.
“As I am talking to you now, line one, which can carry 400 megawatts, is going to be ready between today and tomorrow. The second line, which five span was vandalized, is going to be ready latest by Sunday, that is in five days time,” he stated.
New National Star reported that the disruption was caused by the vandalization of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which is the major line supplying electricity to the north.
However, a statement issued on Wednesday by TCN’s Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah also indicated that the engineering team will soon begin work on a second 330KV transmission line.
“with the restoration of this line, the Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 was now operational as bulk power transmission has been restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States.
“As restoration efforts continue, with the TCN engineering team preparing to commence work on the second 330kV transmission line. All necessary materials for the repairs are on hand, and work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of our personnel to the affected sections of the vandalized 330kV transmission line two,” it said.
TCN said teams of linesmen in the meantime will re-patrol the 330kV line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our engineers work diligently to restore the 330kV transmission line 2.
“TCN recognizes the importance of electricity in our daily lives and is committed to ensuring that this line is repaired swiftly, thereby increasing the bulk power to the affected area by the incident,” the statement revealed.
