By Seun Ibiyemi
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, to enable the completion of the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) along the corridor.
The development means that electricity consumers in parts of the North-East and North-Central regions will continue to experience reduced power supply during the maintenance period.
TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the extension became necessary to allow contractors complete the OPGW stringing project on the 276-kilometre transmission line linking Jos, Bauchi and Gombe.
According to her, the maintenance exercise, which commenced earlier in the year, is a critical component of efforts to modernise transmission infrastructure and improve the efficiency of grid operations.
She stated that customers served by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) would continue to experience limited electricity supply during the maintenance period.
The affected areas include Bauchi, Gombe, Damaturu and Maiduguri, where electricity supply will be reduced between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Thursdays through Sundays.
Mbah further disclosed that Yola, Jalingo and surrounding communities would remain without electricity during the scheduled outage periods as work progresses on the transmission line.
Despite the temporary disruptions, she assured customers that power supply would be restored at the end of each day’s maintenance activities.
The TCN spokesperson expressed regret over the inconvenience the outages may cause to residents, businesses and institutions in the affected areas and appealed for their patience and understanding.
She noted that contractors and technical teams were working diligently to ensure the project is completed within the revised deadline.
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According to Mbah, the installation of the Optical Ground Wire is expected to significantly improve grid monitoring capabilities, enhance communication within the transmission network and strengthen the reliability and stability of electricity supply across the affected regions.
Industry experts say the project forms part of broader efforts by TCN to modernise Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and reduce system disturbances through improved real-time monitoring and operational control.
Upon completion, the upgraded transmission corridor is expected to contribute to more efficient power delivery and improved service quality for electricity consumers in the North-East region and adjoining areas.
