Bulk Power Supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has been reduced by 250 Megawatts as vandals destroyed the 330kV Gwagwalada -Katampe Transmission line.
General Manager, Public Affairs of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday said, the sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm.
She said, at the said time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation, and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.
According to her, the TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were vandalized, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.
“The incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW”, Mrs. Mbah said.
Meanwhile, she said, TCN has mobilized to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.
“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around all power equipment to security operatives or the nearest TCN offices nationwide”, she added.
