Blackout looms as TCN announces collapse of towers on Keffi, Akwanga line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced the collapse of towers T78, T79 and T80 along the Karu-Keffi-Akwanga 132 Kilo Volt (kV) line corridor following heavy rainfall.

The management of the company made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

According to TCN, all 33kV outgoing feeders at the 132/33kV Keffi and 132/33kV Akwanga transmission substations are currently unavailable following the collapse of Towers T78, T79 and T80 along the Karu-Keffi-Akwanga 132kV line corridor.

“At about 4:06 p.m Wednesday,  during the rain the 132kV Karu-Keffi-Akwanga single circuit transmission line tripped on overcurrent relay protection.

“Investigations revealed that three transmission towers had collapsed and TCN promptly isolated for safety.

“Consequently, all 33kV outgoing feeders at the Keffi and Akwanga  substations are presently unavailable. No load can therefore be nominated on the affected feeders on the interim,” the statement said.

The company said that its engineers were currently on site to assess the extent of the damage to enable them determine requirements needed to commence restoration activities.

“TCN regrets the inconvenience this development will cause electricity customers taking supply from substations affected by the incident.

“Please bear with us as we make every effort to ensure that necessary repairs are completed as quickly as possible to enable the restoration of the bulk power supply,” the statement added.

The company also said that it would continue to provide further updates as restoration efforts progress.