Proposed Two-Month Blackout In Ondo, Ekiti States For Installation Not Approved, Says Transmission Company Of Nigeria

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has denied reports of a planned outage on the Osogbo-Akure-Ado-Ekiti 132kV line for the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) starting July 1, 2024.

 This comes after the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) announced that TCN would be conducting critical maintenance work on the 132kV Akure Osogbo transmission line, which would result in a two-month power outage in Ondo and Ekiti states.

The planned outage was expected to last nine hours daily, from July 1 to August 31, causing concern among consumers in the affected areas.

BEDC’s public notice had read, “Please be informed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria is scheduled to carry out critical maintenance work on the 132kV Akure Osogbo transmission line.

"The planned work involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire and other activities. This will require an outage on the affected network for safe working space.”

“Customers in the affected areas will experience service interruptions during the period of the planned outages. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly solicit your patience and understanding,” the notice on the planned maintenance had added.

However, TCN in statement on Monday morning debunked the report, noting that such outage request has been approved.

The statement signed by TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, was titled: "Re: Outage On Osogbo/Akure -Ado-Ekiti 132kV Line".

The statement reads: "A publication by the BEDC regarding a proposed outage on Osogbo-Akure-Ado-Ekiti 132kV line for the purpose of installing OPGW commencing on 1st July, 2024 has been brought to the notice of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.

"TCN Management hereby informs the general public that no such outage request has been approved."