The notice, signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs dated May 4, 2024, and titled ‘Planned Outage on Benin-Delta and Delta-Oghara 132kv Double Circuit Lines at Amukpe Transmission Substation’ said the blackout is to enable the TCN install two transmission towers at the said substation. The TCN explained that the outage is necessary to create a safe working environment for the contractor.

The statement by Mbah read: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that it will commence the erection of two (2) number 132kV transmission towers at its Amukpe Transmission Substation and will equally restring a portion of the Benin-Delta and Delta-Oghara 132kV double circuit transmission lines, from tomorrow, Saturday, May 4th to 17th, 2024. Consequently, Amukpe Substation will be out for the duration of the work.

“Also, bulk power supply to Benin DisCo through the following feeders: the ADEJE, INDUSTRIAL, WOODLAND, MOSOGAR, SAPELE (SAPELE) and ABRAKA feeders will be out of bulk power supply for the period.

“The outage is necessary to create a safe working environment for the contractor. Completion of the projects will put in place N-1 redundancy that would enable TCN supply bulk electricity to the substation from either the Benin or Ughelli transmission line. This means that when one transmission line is faulty, bulk electricity can still be received in the substation from the second line.

“TCN apologises for the inconvenience electricity consumers supplied from the substation will experience within the period but notes that the projects will help ensure a more flexible and consistent bulk power supply through Athe Amukpe Transmission Substation”.