TCN Extends Transmission Line Maintenance, Prolonging Power Disruptions in Northeast

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has extended the ongoing maintenance work on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe 330kV single-circuit transmission line until June 30, 2026, as part of efforts to complete the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) installation project along the corridor.TCN announced the extension in a statement issued over the weekend by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who explained that the decision became necessary to allow contractors complete the OPGW stringing project along the 276-kilometre transmission line axis.According to the company, the maintenance exercise, which commenced earlier this year, is critical to enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission across the affected areas.TCN noted that the ongoing work would continue to impact electricity supply to customers served by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) in Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu and Maiduguri.Affected customers are expected to experience limited power supply between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Thursdays to Sundays throughout the maintenance period. The company added that Yola, Jalingo and neighbouring communities would remain without electricity during the outage periods, with supply to be restored at the end of each day’s maintenance activities.While apologising for the inconvenience caused by the outages, TCN assured residents and businesses that efforts were being intensified to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.“The completion of the OPGW installation and related maintenance work will improve grid monitoring, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the reliability of electricity transmission across the affected areas,” the statement said.Meanwhile, residents of Taraba State have continued to lament unstable electricity supply, which has persisted for more than a month and disrupted economic activities across the state.The prolonged outages have particularly affected small and medium-scale businesses, many of which now depend heavily on alternative power sources to remain operational. Business owners say the situation has increased operating costs and reduced productivity, raising concerns about the impact on livelihoods and local economic growth.Residents have expressed hope that the completion of the transmission upgrade project will bring lasting improvements to power supply in the region.This version follows a conventional newspaper style with a strong lead, balanced attribution, and added context on the impact of the outages.