After 4-month blackout, TCN restores electricity in Bayelsa

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Port Harcourt Region, says it has restored electricity to most parts of Bayelsa State, after about a four-month blackout.

TheNewsZenith reports that the Port Harcourt region covers Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo and Rivers states.

The Regional General Manager, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, announced the power restoration during a news conference on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Anyaegbulem also used the occasion to highlight the company’s achievements in 2024.

He explained that the blackout was caused by criminals who vandalised about 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) electricity lines on July 29.

“The 132KV line is the only transmission line that supplies electricity to Bayelsa state.

“The repairs of the collapsed towers presented a significant challenge for us. This is considering that the blackout lasted from July 29 until Nov. 30,” Anyaegbulem said.

According to him, TCN spent about N13 million to construct a single transmission tower.

“Once vandals cut off the brackets that hold a tower, the structure becomes vulnerable to the slightest breeze.

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“After the criminals vandalised the tower, it collapsed and caused the failure of about 20 other transmission towers between Ahoada in Rivers state and Yenagoa in Bayelsa state.

“We are delighted to have restored the 20 damaged 132KV towers after four months of hardship endured by the residents,” TheNewsZenith quoted Anyaegbulam as saying.

He also revealed that the Police arrested 10 suspects for allegedly vandalising the company’s facilities in the region in 2024.

Out of the 10 suspects arrested, he said four were convicted by the courts, while six are in police custody.

Despite these challenges, the general manager said TCN achieved significant milestones during the outgoing year.

“This includes the installation of a 100 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA) power transmission transformer at the Port Harcourt main transmission substation. We also rehabilitate the 132/33KV switch yard.

“We also took delivery of a 150MVA 330/33KV power transformer at TCN’s Adjabo transmission substation within the Port Harcourt main transmission substation.”

He reiterated the company’s commitment to providing electricity to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to ensure uninterrupted power supply.