The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a thunderstorm led to the snapping of the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line.
In a statement on Monday by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, the commission said the incident, which occurred on September 3, led to the burning of a house built under the transmission line.
TCN said the fallen conductor sparked a fire that ignited a car parked beneath the transmission line right-of-way and also killed two cows along the path.
“The cut conductor fell to the ground near Tower 97 along the route. Although there was no loss of human life, the high-voltage discharge from the fallen conductor unfortunately torched a house built under the transmission line, close to the tower, burnt a car parked under the transmission line right-of-way and killed two cows along the route,” the statement reads.
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“Immediately following the incident, the Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Engr. Tom Inugonum and his team visited the site of the incident for an on-the-ground assessment of the incident.
“TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team has also been deployed to the site and has since commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line in preparation for restringing a new conductor.”
Despite the disruption, the commission said there has been no load loss in the Nsukka area, which is usually served by the affected transmission line.
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TCN said it has implemented a temporary alternative power supply arrangement by diverting bulk electricity through the Otukpo 132kV transmission substation, “to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onward distribution to the Nsukka axis”.
The commission appreciated that no human casualties were recorded due to the incident.
“However, this serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way (RoW),” TCN said.
“The company emphasizes that such encroachments are extremely dangerous and pose serious risks to lives and property.”
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The commission urged the public to always respect the integrity of power infrastructure and comply with safety guidelines around transmission facilities.
