The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a Force Majeure Event on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line following the collapse of a transmission tower along the corridor.

TCN said the incident has affected the transmission of bulk electricity through the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi corridor, while efforts are underway to rehabilitate the damaged line.

In a statement signed by TCN management, the company said the transmission line tripped at 10:44 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026.

A trial reclosure was attempted at 11:07 p.m., but the line tripped again.

TCN reveals cause of tower collapse

Following the second trip, TCN linesmen from its Birnin Kebbi Sub-Region conducted a fault-finding patrol along the transmission corridor.

The team discovered on September 8 that Tower T367 had collapsed.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the collapse of the tower was caused by heavy winds and rainstorms experienced in the area,” TCN said.

The company said the incident constituted a natural disaster that caused damage to the transmission infrastructure.

Consequently, TCN declared Force Majeure on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line (2KNJ–BRK1).

TCN begins repairs after Tower collapse

TCN said it had commenced arrangements to mobilise personnel, equipment and other resources to the affected location.

The company said the resources would be deployed to rehabilitate the collapsed tower and restore the transmission line to service within the shortest possible time.

Despite the damage, TCN said it had maintained electricity transmission to Sokoto through an alternative transmission route.

According to the company, the Talata Mafara–Sokoto corridor is currently receiving supply through the Kaduna-Mando axis via the 132kV Zaria–Funtua–Gusau transmission line.

TCN apologises to electricity consumers

TCN expressed regret over the inconvenience the incident could cause electricity consumers and other affected stakeholders.

The company assured the public that it was making every effort to restore normal bulk power transmission service as quickly as possible.

The development comes as TCN continues efforts to maintain the stability of Nigeria’s transmission network following damage to critical infrastructure.

The post TCN Reveals Cause as Transmission Tower Collapses on Key Power Line appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of parts of Abuja have been thrown into another power outage following the tripping of a 100MVA transformer at the Apo 132kV/33kV Transmission Substation.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the company, the 100MVA TR4 transformer at the Apo Transmission Substation tripped in the early hours of Wednesday, disrupting electricity supply to several areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

TCN attributed the incident to oil spillage on the red-phase high-voltage (HV) bushing of the transformer.

Four feeders affected

The company said the transformer fault affected four 33kV feeders connected to the substation.

The affected feeders are H31, H33, H35 and H37.

TCN said its maintenance crew had commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the transformer tripping and facilitate repairs.

“Our maintenance crew are already carrying out a detailed investigation on the transformer to ascertain the exact cause of the tripping, to enable us effect repairs and restore the transformer,” TCN stated.

Abuja residents affected

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) also confirmed that the incident had resulted in power outages across parts of the capital.

Areas affected include Apo Legislative Quarters, Lokogoma, Apo Resettlement and other parts of Abuja connected to the affected feeders.

TCN said efforts were ongoing to restore the affected transformer and normal electricity supply as soon as possible.

The latest incident comes amid recurring power supply disruptions experienced by residents in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

The post Abuja Power Outage Hits Apo, Lokogoma as TCN Transformer Trips appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents living in gated housing estates across Lagos are grappling with steep increases in electricity bills as estate operators struggle with rising diesel prices and worsening power supply from Nigeria’s national grid.

Across several estates, electricity tariffs have more than doubled within months, leaving many residents frustrated over mounting living costs despite paying premium housing fees for stable utilities and improved infrastructure.

Management notices issued within different estate communities revealed that some operators increased electricity tariffs from about N360 per kilowatt-hour to over N480/kWh within a short period, while others reportedly raised rates as high as N755/kWh.

One estate management attributed the latest tariff adjustment to the rising cost of diesel, which it said had climbed from below N1,000 per litre to over N2,000 per litre.

The development has triggered widespread complaints among residents who say the financial burden is becoming unsustainable.

“My estate just increased the tariff to N755/kWh. This is insanity,” one resident wrote in a social media post that gained attention online.

Another resident questioned the high cost of electricity within a private estate despite steady supply.

“Why is it N50,000 a day for 24 hours of light?” the resident asked on X, formerly Twitter.

The rising tariffs are linked to growing dependence on diesel-powered central electricity systems within estates, following persistent failures of the national grid.

Most gated estates in Lagos operate shared generator systems that combine electricity from public distribution companies with diesel-powered backup generation.

Under the arrangement, public electricity supply helps reduce overall energy costs while diesel generators serve as supplementary sources during outages.

However, estate operators say the situation has worsened as grid supply has dropped significantly in recent months.

According to notices circulated among residents, some estates now receive less than 40 per cent of their required electricity supply from the public grid, forcing operators to rely heavily on diesel generators for daily power distribution.

With diesel prices currently hovering around N1,900 to N2,000 per litre, operators say sustaining electricity generation has become increasingly expensive.

The impact is particularly severe for middle-class households that moved into private estates to escape unreliable public electricity supply.

For many families, monthly electricity bills now rival rent or school fees.

A household consuming about 300 kilowatt-hours monthly could now spend between N150,000 and N226,500 on electricity alone, depending on the estate tariff structure.

Some estate operators have also introduced minimum monthly electricity purchases, requiring residents to buy tokens worth at least N50,000 regardless of actual usage.

Operators argue that the policy is necessary to maintain steady cash flow for diesel procurement and maintenance of central power systems.

Residents, however, describe the requirement as an additional financial burden amid rising inflation and increasing living costs.

Estate management firms maintain that the tariff hikes are driven purely by operational realities rather than profit motives.

Several management notices reviewed indicated that tariffs could be reduced if diesel prices decline or public grid supply improves.

One notice stated that any improvement in market conditions would lead to a downward review of electricity charges for residents.

The crisis highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, where decades of underinvestment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure continue to undermine reliable electricity supply.

Distribution companies operating within Lagos have also struggled with financial and operational limitations, further reducing stable power delivery to residential communities.

Private estate operators initially relied on diesel-powered electricity systems as a temporary solution to supplement public supply.

However, rising fuel costs and persistent grid instability have transformed what was once a manageable alternative into a major economic challenge for both operators and residents.

Analysts say unless national grid performance improves significantly or diesel prices reduce, electricity costs within private estates are likely to remain unstable, placing additional pressure on urban households already struggling with rising inflation and utility expenses.

The post Lagos Estate Residents Hit by Soaring Electricity Tariffs Amid Diesel Dependence appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Imo State are set to begin enjoying 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply from November, as the state government rolls out a test phase of its new power initiative in Owerri and surrounding areas.

Governor Hope Uzodimma made the announcement over the weekend during a stakeholders and expanded executive council meeting held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), Owerri.

According to the governor, the pilot program will be powered by the Urashi Power Plant, a state-backed project made possible through recent legislation enabling its establishment. He added that the rollout would gradually extend to other parts of the state, including Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise, in the coming months.

Governor Uzodimma also unveiled a number of fiscal relief and social welfare initiatives, key among them being a new tax exemption for individuals earning less than ₦150,000 monthly. He noted that oil companies operating in the state would be charged with executing the policy.

In a bid to ease transportation for vulnerable groups, the governor announced free transport services for retirees and students along major routes, including Owerri–Okigwe, Orlu, Aba, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt. The scheme will leverage a newly acquired fleet of CNG-powered metro buses.

On infrastructure development, Uzodimma disclosed that 50 percent of the contract sums for ongoing projects have already been disbursed to contractors. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to public good over political gains, noting that he is not actively pursuing federal reimbursements for state-funded road projects. “I believe that future administrations will benefit from these investments,” he said.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, the governor assured residents of renewed efforts to restore peace and stability across the state. He also underscored the importance of youth inclusion in governance, stating: “We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State.”

The developments mark a significant push by the Uzodimma administration to improve living standards, expand critical infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive political and economic future in Imo.

The post New Power Plant to Deliver 24/7 Electricity in Owerri Starting November appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In August 2024, the Minister of Power had announced that the government would cushion the impact of rising electricity tariffs on hospitals and universities, particularly those on Band A supply—where tariffs increased significantly following the removal of subsidies. Despite this assurance, institutions continue to accumulate massive electricity debts.

“We were assured of government support,” said an official from a federal hospital who preferred anonymity. “But till now, we pay over three times what we used to, with no relief in sight. The burden is affecting operations.”

Reports indicate that some teaching hospitals now spend as much as ₦300 million monthly on electricity, a sharp increase from previous bills of under ₦100 million. Universities and colleges are also struggling under similar conditions.

Consumer advocacy groups have accused the government of making empty political promises. “There was never any formal approval for this subsidy. It was simply a public statement with no policy backing,” said Adeola Samuel-Ilori, National Coordinator of the All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum.

The initial promise by the minister stated, “For the ones that are purely health and education-related, we are ready to subsidise them, even if they are on Band A. Discos will collect a certain amount, and the government will pay the balance.” But insiders say no implementation plan followed.

Energy experts argue the plan may have stalled due to sustainability concerns. “Subsidies are difficult to manage and are prone to abuse,” said Professor Dayo Ayoade of the University of Lagos. “If the government intends to proceed, it must prioritise transparency and sustainability. Investing in solar infrastructure might offer a more lasting solution.”

Indeed, it appears the government may have quietly pivoted to renewable energy as an alternative. According to the Ministry of Power, solar installations are now underway at several institutions, including 12MW for the University of Maiduguri and its teaching hospital, and 7MW for the University of Calabar and its medical facility.

Media aide to the power minister, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed this development. “The Rural Electrification Agency is coordinating efforts to provide off-grid power to 37 federal universities and seven affiliated teaching hospitals,” he said.

These projects include solar mini-grids, street lighting, and renewable energy training centers for students. While the initiative has begun in some locations, others are still waiting for deployment.

Still, the lack of clarity over the original subsidy promise continues to fuel frustration. “For 10 days last year, electricity was cut off at our campus hospital due to unpaid bills,” a medical student in Lagos recounted. “Patients suffered, and students protested. We are still paying exorbitantly.”

With estimates showing the government would require over ₦188 billion annually to fund the proposed 50% subsidy for hospitals and schools, analysts believe fiscal constraints and rising sector debts may have forced a quiet policy reversal.

Meanwhile, institutions remain under pressure. “We want the government to honour its word or give us a clear path forward,” said another university administrator. “It’s not just about bills—it’s about lives and learning.”

The post One Year On, Promised Power Subsidy for Hospitals, Schools Remains Unfulfilled appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Dr. Dada made this known during a press briefing held to reflect on the hospital’s progress and hurdles over the years. He emphasized that the meager public supply has forced the hospital to rely heavily on diesel-powered generators to maintain uninterrupted operations—critical for a health facility that functions around the clock.

According to him, the hospital consumes approximately 80,000 litres of diesel monthly to bridge the power gap, ensuring that essential services are never interrupted.

“For the past seven years, we’ve had to generate about 95% of our own electricity to remain fully operational,” he explained. “Power is non-negotiable in a facility where technology and automation are central to patient care.”

Despite the staggering financial burden, Dr. Dada stated that the hospital had no choice but to take control of its power needs. When the facility decided to digitize its services, doubts emerged over whether this could be sustained under Nigeria’s unstable electricity conditions. But with proper planning, FMC Ebute Metta succeeded in developing an in-house solution that delivers nearly 22 hours of self-generated power daily.

“This investment has certainly strained our finances,” he admitted. “But the quality and continuity of our services make it worth it.”

The hospital’s unwavering commitment to service excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency recognized FMC Ebute Metta as the most compliant and standard-driven public hospital in Lagos. More recently, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, under the Presidency, commended the hospital for being a pioneer in leveraging ICT to improve healthcare delivery in the public sector.

The post Lagos Federal Hospital Spends N20m Monthly on Electricity Despite Limited Public Power Supply appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The development was confirmed by Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, in an interview with AFP, amid growing complaints from citizens over prolonged blackouts and a growing shift toward solar alternatives in the country.

The impact has been significant. With output now falling between 30 to 50 percent, Niger’s national electricity firm, Nigelec, has resorted to rotating power cuts — some of which last for days — especially in the capital city, Niamey.

Electricity exports to Niger were initially suspended by Nigeria in July 2023 following the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by members of the Presidential Guard. In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sweeping sanctions, including halting all energy transactions.

While the suspension was eventually lifted, electricity supply from Nigeria has remained restricted — and, according to Amadou, far below what’s needed to meet Niger’s growing domestic demand.

“Nigeria has resumed deliveries, but we’re only receiving 46 megawatts, well short of the previous 80MW,” the minister said.

The shortages have fueled a surge in solar power adoption across the country. In neighborhoods like Lazaret in Niamey, residents have taken matters into their own hands.

“Power cuts are no longer a problem for us. We’ve gone fully solar, and there are no bills to worry about,” said local resident Elhadj Abdou, pointing to the solar panels lining rooftops in his area.

These Chinese-imported panels, which cost around 50,000 CFA francs (about 75 euros), are now a common sight on the streets, sold directly to households and small businesses.

Nigeria, for its part, primarily relies on natural gas and hydroelectric sources to generate electricity, with over two dozen thermal plants supplying the bulk of its national grid.

Despite the partial resumption of supply, observers say the reduced electricity allocation reflects lingering diplomatic unease following last year’s coup — and the broader political uncertainty surrounding the region’s energy diplomacy.

The post Nigeria Slashes Power Supply to Niger Republic Amid Lingering Tensions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a statement on its X handle on Monday, AEDC explained that the ongoing restoration work by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)

The damage, caused by vandals, has disrupted power supply to several areas, including Wuye, Utako, Jabi, and Mabushi.

Affected locations also include Katampe, Life Camp, Wuse, Maitama, and parts of the Central Business District (CBD).

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that its engineers are working round the clock to replace and reconnect the damaged cable.

The company reiterated its commitment to restoring power to the Central Area Transmission Substation (AT5) by February 23.

“We understand the inconvenience this situation has caused and sincerely appreciate the patience of our customers,”

The company assured residents that it is working closely with TCN to ensure swift restoration and long-term power stability.

The post FCT Residents to Get Full Power Supply by February 23 – AEDC appeared first on Housing TV Africa.