The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced a planned power outage affecting several communities in Minna, the Niger State capital, as it undertakes maintenance on a critical transformer at the 132/33kV Minna Transmission Substation.

In a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN explained that engineers are working on a 30MVA, 132/33kV power transformer, identified as TR2, at the Minna substation. The company said the exercise is scheduled to run for several hours in a single day, during which electricity supply to a wide area of the city and its environs will be interrupted.

According to the statement, the maintenance window runs from morning until late afternoon and is aimed at ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of the transformer. TCN described the work as part of routine interventions designed to strengthen the transmission network and reduce the risk of unexpected equipment failure.

During the exercise, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power from the substation for onward supply to customers in Tunga, Shiroro Area, Police Secondary School, Air Force Base, Maikunkele, Tudun Fulani and Beji.

Other affected locations include Chanchaga, Tungan Goro, Federal Government College, Bosso Low-Cost, Okada Road, parts of London Street, Kateregi and Sabon Daga. Residents and businesses in these areas are expected to experience a total outage for the duration of the work.

TCN appealed for understanding from electricity consumers, stressing that the temporary inconvenience is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the transmission infrastructure serving Minna and surrounding communities. The company added that its technical team has been mobilised to complete the task within the stipulated period.

The transmission firm assured customers that power supply will be restored immediately after the maintenance is concluded and the transformer is certified fit for operation. It also reiterated its commitment to improving grid stability nationwide through scheduled maintenance, system upgrades and prompt response to faults.