TCN: Five vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations in Q1 2024

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says five vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations in the first quarter of 2024, necessitating emergency repairs.

In a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson on Sunday, the company said this requires the critical need for increased community support and vigilance in protecting transmission infrastructure.

TCN urged everyone to join hands with the commission in safeguarding power transmission towers and cables.

“Vandalism is a persistent challenge, as clearly seen in the first quarter of 2024 alone, in which five significant vandalism incidents disrupted transmission operations, necessitating emergency repairs and, in some cases, complete tower reconstruction and/or transmission line replacement due to acts of vandalism,” TCN said.

“TCN urges heightened vigilance, for now, particularly in the Zuba area, following alerts of a planned attack on TCN facilities in Zuba.

“We implore residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power facilities in the area to safeguard the integrity of our infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to all.

“Again, we urge everyone, especially those living close to TCN towers nationwide, to please join hands with TCN in safeguarding power transmission towers and cables.”

TCN said it is committed to managing the grid and ensuring grid stability amidst ongoing challenges such as the persistent low gas supply affecting power generation into the nation’s grid.

It acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the federal government, especially, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, in addressing the root causes of low gas supply.

“Our diligent grid controllers work tirelessly day and night to balance the grid and prevent any kind of disturbance amidst challenges,” TCN said.

“The recent grid disturbance on March 28, 2024, was promptly managed by our skilled operators, with power restoration achieved in some areas within 21 minutes of the disturbance.

“As efforts to stabilise gas supply progress, TCN emphasises the importance of consistent gas availability to sustain optimal power generation and facilitate easier grid management, reducing system disturbances.”

According to the company, the minister has held meetings with generating companies (GenCos) and gas companies (GasCos) to secure a higher volume of gas supply and consistency for enhanced power generation.

On March 28, the national electricity grid, centrally managed from Osogbo, Osun state, suffered a collapse.

According to various DisCos, their feeders became inactive, resulting in widespread blackouts across the country.