The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Monday said a thunderstorm on September 3 snapped the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line, causing power disruptions in parts of Enugu State.
TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said the fallen conductor landed near Tower 97, sparking a high-voltage discharge that set fire to a house built under the line, destroyed a car parked on the right-of-way, and killed two cows. No human casualties were reported.
The company’s Enugu Regional Manager, Tom Inugonum, led an inspection team to the site, while its Quick Response Line Maintenance Team began dismantling the damaged section in preparation for restringing a new conductor. TCN assured that no load loss occurred in Nsukka, as supply was rerouted through the Otukpo Substation to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
TCN urged the public to avoid building or engaging in activities under transmission lines, warning that such encroachments endanger lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has advised electricity consumers in Anambra State to report any cases where EEDC officials demand payments for transformers, poles, or cables. At a town hall meeting in Awka, Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Aisha Mahmud, represented by Dr. Zubair Babatunde, stressed that infrastructure costs are the responsibility of distribution companies, not customers.
NERC urged residents to lodge complaints through official channels for prompt intervention, assuring that it is committed to ensuring fair treatment of electricity consumers.
