The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a temporary power outage affecting millions of residents and businesses in five northern states as part of scheduled maintenance work aimed at upgrading critical transmission equipment. The disruption will also extend to Gazaoua in neighbouring Niger Republic, which receives electricity through Nigeria's transmission network.
Affected States and Communities
According to a statement issued on Friday by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah, the planned power outage will impact Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Yobe states. The disruption is scheduled for Sunday and will also affect Azare in Bauchi State, Nguru in Yobe State, and Gazaoua in the Niger Republic.
Maintenance at Kumbotso 330kV Substation
The temporary interruption is linked to maintenance activities at the Kumbotso 330-kilovolt transmission substation, where upgrade works are currently in progress. TCN explained that contractors will install upgraded 330kV Bus II jumpers and replace existing 350mm² conductors with higher-capacity 800mm² conductors. This enhancement is designed to boost the transmission network's capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply in the affected areas.
Distribution Companies to Suspend Supply
During the maintenance period, electricity distribution companies serving the affected states will be unable to receive bulk power from the national grid for onward distribution to customers. TCN stated that Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), alongside parts of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), will temporarily suspend power supply to customers in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states, as well as Azare in Bauchi State, Nguru in Yobe State, and Gazaoua in the Niger Republic.
TCN Appeals for Patience
The transmission company appealed to electricity consumers to bear with the temporary inconvenience, stressing that the maintenance work is necessary to complete strategic infrastructure upgrades. According to TCN, the project will enhance the stability, efficiency, and overall reliability of electricity supply across the affected regions once completed.
