Electricity consumers in Ondo and Ekiti states are expressing concern over the planned two-month power outage announced by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The outage, set to begin on July 1 and end on August 31, will result from critical maintenance work on the 132kV Akure-Osogbo transmission line.
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company issued a public notice explaining that the upgrade would disrupt power supply to the affected states for nine hours daily. The maintenance involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire and other essential activities, necessitating outages for safe working conditions.
“Customers in the affected areas will experience service interruptions during the period of the planned outages. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly solicit your patience and understanding,” the notice read.
The National Secretary of the Nigeria Electricity Consumer Advocacy Network, Uket Obonga, criticized the plan, stating it would severely impact economic activities in both the two states. Did they consider the economies of Ondo and Ekiti states, the businesses there, and everything?" Obonga asked. He suggested that the maintenance could be conducted in phases to mitigate the economic impact.
Obonga also questioned the necessity of disrupting aerial networks for an underground fiber upgrade, especially during the rainy season, which could extend the outages beyond the planned nine hours daily.
Efforts to obtain further clarification from TCN were unsuccessful, as spokesperson Ndidi Mbah did not respond to inquiries or messages regarding the issue.
