TCN Replaces Obsolete Infrastructure, Boosts Transmission To About 170MW Along Birnin Kebbi – Sokoto Route

In continuous efforts at replacement of obsolete transmission lines and boosting its transmission capabilities, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has completed the reconductoring of its new 130KM 132kV double circuit Sokoto – Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line.

Further, TCN energised the new 132kV transmission line at about 4.35pm on 13th April, 2021, thereby solved the low voltage and attendant poor power situation previously prevalent in the Sokoto axis, according to a statement Saturday by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah.

She said: “TCN is now enabled to substantially transmit increased bulk power electricity to Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s distribution load centers in Sokoto State and environs.

“The new high capacity 132kV Transmission line which affects/ transverses 405 towers along the Birnin Kebbi – Sokoto line route, now transmits about 170MW, which is more than double the 70MW capacity previously transmitted by the decommissioned old 132kV transmission line.

“This also means that Kaduna DisCo would equally be able to deliver more stable and quality power to its customers in that axis.”

Mrs Mbah recalled that prior to the reconductoring of the line, the Sokoto – Birnin Kebbi 132kV transmission line, was overloaded due to increased demand, arising from massive increase in human population and attendant socio-economic activities in the area.

But she noted that the new line has solved the problem of overloading/ suppressed load and has ample capacity for anticipated load increase.

She explained that the Project which commenced in November last year, was carried out in phases, in order to ameliorate the effect of scheduled outages on electricity consumers during the period. Some areas did not experience outage through the period as they were backfed through another line.

“We are sincerely grateful to the government and good people of Sokoto State and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, for their patience and cooperation during the period of the transmission line reconductoring”, she stated.