The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced an extension of maintenance work on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 330kV single-circuit transmission line until June 30, 2026. This extension is necessary to complete the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) installation project along the 276-kilometre corridor.
Details of the Extension
In a statement released over the weekend, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the maintenance exercise, which began earlier in the year, has been prolonged to allow contractors to finish the OPGW stringing project. The ongoing work will impact electricity supply to customers served by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) in Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu, and Maiduguri.
Affected Areas and Schedule
According to TCN, affected customers will experience limited power supply between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Thursdays to Sundays throughout the maintenance period. Additionally, Yola, Jalingo, and neighbouring communities will be without electricity during the outage periods. Power supply will be restored at the end of each day's maintenance activities.
Apology and Assurance
The transmission company apologised for the inconvenience caused by the outages and assured customers that efforts are being intensified to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. TCN stated that the completion of the OPGW installation and related maintenance work will improve grid monitoring, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the reliability of electricity transmission across the affected areas.
Impact on Taraba State
Meanwhile, residents of Taraba State have continued to struggle with unstable electricity supply over the past month. This situation has reportedly disrupted economic activities and negatively affected small businesses across the state. Many business owners have expressed concerns over mounting operational costs as they increasingly rely on alternative power sources to sustain their operations amid the prolonged power challenges.
