Transmission Company Warns Against Building Under Power Lines

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has warned against building or engaging in any activities under transmission lines, following a thunderstorm fire that severely damaged property along the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line.

The TCN said that a thunderstorm on the evening of September 3, 2025, caused a conductor on the line near Tower 97 to snap and fall to the ground. The fallen high-voltage conductor ignited a house located directly underneath the transmission line, destroyed a car parked in the right-of-way, and killed two cows in the vicinity. Fortunately, there were no human casualties.

The company’s general manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, who made this known, said that despite the disruption, there has been no load loss to the Nsukka area, which is normally supplied through the affected transmission line.

She said TCN had implemented a temporary alternative power supply arrangement by diverting bulk electricity through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onward distribution to the Nsukka axis.

The firm said the TCN’s regional manager for Enugu, Engr. Tom Inugonum led an immediate site inspection, while the company’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team began dismantling the damaged section to prepare for repairs.

Despite the incident, power supply to the Nsukka area has been maintained through a temporary alternative route via the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation.

“TCN appreciates that no human casualties occurred as a result of the incident. However, this is a stark reminder of the need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right-of-way (RoW). The company emphasises that such encroachments are extremely dangerous and pose serious risks to lives and property. We urge the public to always respect the integrity of power infrastructure and comply with safety guidelines around transmission facilities. TCN remains committed to maintaining a stable and secure national grid while ensuring public safety,” the company stated.