Capacity constraints on  Birnin-Kebbi-Sokoto-Talata-Mafara-Gusau transmission line limits power supply in Sokoto, Talata-Mafara and Gusau

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has apologised for the current power supply limitation within Sokoto, Talata-Mafara and Gusau, resulting from transmission capacity constraints on its Birnin-Kebbi-Sokoto-Talata-Mafara-Gusau transmission line. The problem was caused by the collapse of 132kV tower between Funtua and Gusau.

A statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, general manager, Public Affairs, TCN, attributed the cause to the collapse of Tower No 307 on Funtua-Gusau transmission line route which cut off bulk electricity supply to Gusau.

As remedial measure, however, the company has started back-feeding distribution load centres in Gusau through its 80MW capacity Birnin Kebbi-Sokoto-Talata-Mafara transmission line.

The combined capacity of Sokoto, Talata-Mafara and Gusau is much higher than the maximum capacity the line is built to carry, resulting in overload of the line and consequently, reduced bulk electricity to Sokoto, Birnin-Kebbi and Gusau. TCN said it had already mobilized a contractor to site has started erecting a new tower which would be completed in two weeks.

It further revealed that investigations into the cause of the collapse are on-going and would soon be concluded. The company further stated that under the on-going Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program, TREP, procurement for the Kainji-Birnin Kebbi-Sokoto 330kV transmission Line and a 330kV substation in Sokoto will soon commence.

The procurement of high capacity conductors for the re-conductoring Birnin Kebbi-Sokoto and Kaduna-Zaria-Funtua-Gusau 132kV transmission lines that will double the current capacity of the lines has also reached advanced stage.

TCN appealed to the governments and good people of Sokoto and Zamfara States for patience, and assured that the tower would be completed as scheduled and normal power transmission restored to electricity consumers in the states.

– Nov. 23, 2018 @ 14:19 GMT |