TCN restores bulk power to transmission towers in Bayelsa

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored bulk power supply through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Bayelsa state.

On August 14, TCN announced that Bayelsa state would face a prolonged power outage following the destruction of 13 transmission towers along the transmission line by vandals.

The commission, on October 30, said it had repaired 65 percent of the vandalised transmission line towers.

In a statement on Tuesday by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, the commission said the power supply was restored at 08.03am on November 30.

“This follows the successful reconstruction of collapsed towers and restringing of vandalized conductors by TCN contractors,” TCN said.

“A final inspection of work done, was conducted on November 28, 2024, by a team of TCN engineers, led by the Port Harcourt Region General Manager, Engr. Emmanuel Akpa.

“The team verified the integrity of the 20 newly erected towers (Nos. 48-64 and 97-99) that were destroyed in a series of vandalism incidents on July 29 and August 12, 2024. After confirming that all work met required standards, the line was cleared for energization.”

On the other hand, the commission said discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers states to execute a comprehensive community engagement programme.

According to TCN, the initiative aims to educate local communities on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.

“Additionally, the program will involve appointing community representatives to oversee the security of power equipment in their areas. This approach aims to foster a sense of local ownership and accountability for the infrastructure,” TCN said.

“These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidents of large-scale vandalism, which left Bayelsa State in total blackout since July 29, 2024.

“The economic losses incurred by residents, as well as the significant financial burden on TCN to restore the towers, have been substantial.”

TCN appealed to the public to “support the nationwide campaign against the vandalism of power infrastructure”.

The commission said collective action is essential to protecting the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development.