TCN Explains Cause Of Blackouts In Parts Of Abuja

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Tuesday, explained cause of blackout in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, attributing it to auto-crash which destroyed TCN’s 132kV transmission tower No 20.

According to TCN, “The current restricted outage situation in parts of Abuja, is caused by a truck loaded with gravel that lost control and crashed into TCN’s 132kV transmission tower No 20, supplying bulk electricity to the 100MVA part of the Katampe Substation and 2x60MVA GIS Central Area Substation.

“The incident which occurred at about 2.55pm this afternoon, brought down the tower, but did not record any loss of life. Consequent upon the incident, there is restricted outage in Maitama, Wuse, Central Area, and some parts of Garki.”

However, the TCN General Manager (Public Affairs), Mrs Ndidi Mbah, said that the Company is “working assiduously to put in place a bypass from the Katampe Substation to the GIS substation in the Central Area to restore power supply to the area and environs.

“Attempts are being made by TCN engineers to remove the conductors presently lying on the road to ensure ease of movement around the area.

“Presently TCN engineers are at the site of the incident and are already assessing the level of damage and attempting to put in place remedial installation in the form of a temporary by-pass to restore electricity supply to the affected areas.”

She said as every effort is being made to put in place a remedial source of supply, TCN assured affected customers that it will work round the clock to ensure that restoration is quickly achieved, after which it would commence the dismantling and reconstruction of a new transmission tower to replace the damaged one.

TCN further assured that its engineering lines crew are making every effort to restore power supply, adding that supply will be restored as soon as possible.