TheCable

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says power supply has dropped in Gombe due to the vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers along the Gombe-Damaturu 330KV transmission line.

The company spoke on the incident in a statement on Sunday, signed by Ndidi Mbah, its spokesperson.

The power firm said the act, which was perpetrated by insurgents on February 23, 2024, resulted in a load loss of about 5 megawatts (MW).

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

TCN said arrangements have been made 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 330kV line affected by the incident,” TCN said.

“TCN condemns this act of sabotage and is again calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.”

According to the firm, the state said efforts will be made to reduce the impact of the incident on the affected areas’ power supply and to speed up the restoration process.

The TCN had announced the vandalism of its tower 388 along the Jos-Bauchi on February 5, 2024.