The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a recent power outage in parts of Kaduna was caused by the collapse of a transmission tower during severe weather. According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the incident occurred on 18 September when tower No. 7 on the Kaduna Town Line I and II in Rigasa community fell after a heavy downpour and windstorm. The collapse disrupted bulk‑power transmission to several Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) load centres, especially those serving Kaduna South.
During an inspection, TCN linesmen discovered that vandals had removed some tower members, leaving the structure vulnerable to collapse. The outage primarily affected power supply to parts of Kaduna South, causing interruptions in several communities. To mitigate the impact, TCN advised KAEDCO to link its 33 kV Mogadishu feeder with the 33 kV Abakwa feeder, allowing electricity customers in Mogadishu to receive power. Areas such as Kinkinau, Yan Tukwane, Kabala West, Unguwan Muazu, and Kaduna North were unaffected and continue to receive normal supply.
TCN engineers are now dismantling the collapsed tower components, clearing the site, and preparing to erect a new tower. The company has apologized for the inconvenience to customers in Southern Kaduna and appreciates their patience as power is restored. Engineers are working around the clock to minimize the outage’s duration.
The incident underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, including vandalism and severe weather, which can jeopardize the reliability of electricity supply.
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