On Thursday, 24 October 2024, several areas in the Federal Capital Territory, specifically around Abuja, will experience power outages due to essential maintenance being carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the Kukwaba 132/33kV Transmission Substation. This maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to improve the electrical grid’s reliability, amidst increasingly frequent national grid failures that have led to widespread blackouts across Nigeria. The scheduled work includes installing a new 33kV disconnector on the L31 line bay, which is necessary for the efficient operation of the electrical network.
The maintenance will be conducted from 9 am to 6 pm, during which time only one 60MVA power transformer will be out of service, presenting challenges for power distribution in the affected areas. The Abuja Distribution Company will not be able to take bulk power from this specific transformer, subsequently hindered in its ability to supply electricity to customers. The anticipated duration of the downtime is approximately nine hours, highlighting the importance of this maintenance for restoring and maintaining power supply standards in the region.
The impact of this outage will be felt in specific localities, including Galadima, Kabusa, Sunnyvale, Suncity Estate, Wonderland, Human Rights Radio, Brilla FM, Kubusa Garden Estate, and Jewel Apartment, amongst others. Residents and businesses in these areas will need to prepare for the temporary loss of electricity, underscoring the necessity of timely communication from utility companies to their customers about planned interruptions. This proactive approach by the TCN helps reduce inconvenience and allows residents to plan ahead.
In the official statement from Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, there’s an expressed acknowledgment of the inconvenience the maintenance may cause to consumers. TCN emphasizes that such maintenance is crucial for the overall performance and reliability of the power supply system in the region. Optimizing infrastructure through regular checks and upgrades, such as installing new disconnectors, plays a vital role in minimizing future outages and maintaining power continuity for residents.
The necessity for this maintenance can be viewed against the backdrop of a historical context where Nigeria has struggled with electricity supply challenges. Frequent national grid failures have created a pressing need for initiatives like the one being undertaken at the Kukwaba substation. TCN’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing infrastructure is, therefore, a critical aspect of addressing such long-standing issues, ultimately aiming to build a more reliable and resilient grid.
In conclusion, while the planned maintenance may pose temporary inconveniences to affected communities in Abuja, it is a critical step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of power supply in these areas. The importance of such maintenance cannot be overstated, given the challenges faced by the national grid. By communicating effectively with the public and undertaking necessary upgrades, TCN seeks to bolster the overall integrity of the power supply system and mitigate the risk of future disruptions, ensuring better service for electrical consumers in Nigeria.
