TCN Restores Electricity in Bayelsa After Four-Month Blackout

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully restored electricity to most parts of Bayelsa State after a four-month blackout caused by vandalism. The Port Harcourt Region of TCN, which oversees Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers states, announced this development on Monday during a news conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, explained that the prolonged power outage began on July 29 when criminals vandalised approximately 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilovolt (KV) power line, the sole transmission line supplying electricity to Bayelsa. According to Anyaegbulem, the repairs were particularly challenging, with the restoration of power only achieved on November 30.

He highlighted the high cost of repairs, stating that it costs around N13 million to construct a single transmission tower. Despite the difficulties, the company was able to complete the reconstruction and resume power transmission to the state.

Anyaegbulem also disclosed that police officers working with TCN arrested 10 suspects involved in vandalising the company’s facilities within the region in 2024. Of the arrested individuals, four have already been convicted in court, while six others remain in police custody.

Reaffirming TCN’s commitment to delivering power to Distribution Companies (DisCos), Anyaegbulem emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to customers.