Three transmission towers (identified as T78, T79 and T80) fell on the Karu–Keffi–Akwanga 132kV line on Wednesday, causing a prolonged power outage that has affected residents, traders and students in the Keffi and Akwanga local government areas of Nasarawa State. The collapse disrupted the 33kV feeders feeding the two substations, leaving the communities without electricity.
What caused the blackout?
The incident was linked to severe downpour and windy conditions that damaged the transmission infrastructure. According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the line’s over‑current relay protection activated, tripping the circuit before engineers discovered the three tower failures. The loss of the towers rendered the outgoing 33kV feeders at both the Keffi and Akwanga substations inoperable.
How does the 132kV line serve consumers?
Former staff of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) named Mr Paul Danjuma explained that the high‑voltage 132kV corridor transports electricity from generation stations to regional substations. Those substations then step the voltage down to lower‑voltage feeders, such as the 33kV lines, which finally distribute power to households, businesses and public institutions. When the main line is isolated for safety, all customers linked to the affected substations lose supply.
What is being done to restore power?
TCN officials confirmed that engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage, cataloguing required materials and preparing a restoration plan. The company has pledged to keep the public informed as work progresses and has issued an apology to the affected customers for the inconvenience caused.
The outage has had immediate economic and social repercussions. Traders report a slowdown in business activity, while students preparing for upcoming examinations are finding it difficult to study without reliable lighting. Additionally, the need to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices has become more expensive as people resort to alternative power sources.
TCN’s spokesperson reiterated that safety remains the top priority and that the damaged section will be isolated until all repairs are completed. The agency assured residents that restoration efforts are underway and that power supply will be reinstated as soon as practicable.