TCN Cautions Public Following Thunderstorm Damage to Transmission Line

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against the erection of buildings, parking of vehicles, or any activities within the rights-of-way (RoW) of transmission lines. This caution follows a thunderstorm on the evening of September 3, 2025, which caused significant damage to the 132 kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line near Tower 97. A conductor on the high-voltage line snapped and fell, igniting a house situated directly under the transmission corridor, destroying a car parked within the RoW, and killing two cows in the vicinity. Thankfully, no human casualties were reported.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, explained on Monday that despite the disruption to the transmission line, there was no loss of power supply to the Nsukka area. This stable power delivery was maintained through a temporary alternative arrangement where electricity was rerouted via the Otukpo 132 kV Transmission Substation to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onwards distribution to the affected Nsukka axis. The TCN’s regional manager for Enugu, Engineer Tom Inugonum, led an assessment team to the incident site and deployed a Quick Response Line Maintenance Team to dismantle the damaged portions of the line in preparation for repairs.

TCN emphasised the dangers of encroachment within transmission line corridors, highlighting the risks to lives and property. The company reiterated that building or parking under transmission lines is illegal and exposes individuals and communities to life-threatening hazards, especially during adverse weather conditions. TCN called on the public to respect power infrastructure and safety guidelines to prevent similar destructive incidents.