The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the commencement of a 10-day scheduled maintenance exercise on its Gombe transmission substation, a key facility in the North-East electricity distribution network.
According to a statement released by the company on Wednesday, the maintenance work began on October 15 and is expected to last until October 25, 2025. The exercise, TCN said, is part of its ongoing efforts to improve grid reliability, reduce system interruptions, and enhance power supply efficiency in Gombe State and its environs.
Scope of the Maintenance Work
The TCN explained that the maintenance will involve comprehensive servicing of transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, and other critical components within the substation. The company added that the exercise is being carried out by its in-house engineering team in collaboration with technical partners and local contractors.
According to the statement, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced a 10-day preventive maintenance exercise on the 330/132/33kV Gombe Transmission Substation. The exercise is designed to ensure that the facility continues to operate at optimal efficiency and reliability.”
The company further noted that the maintenance will include the replacement of worn-out components, inspection of power transformers, and testing of protection systems to prevent future breakdowns and unplanned outages.
Possible Power Interruptions
While assuring consumers of minimal disruption, TCN acknowledged that there may be temporary power interruptions in some parts of Gombe State and neighboring communities during the maintenance period.
It said the affected areas include parts of Gombe metropolis, Akko, Yamaltu-Deba, Billiri, and Kaltungo Local Government Areas, as well as some border communities in Bauchi and Yobe States that draw power from the Gombe transmission line.
“Power supply will be managed through load-shedding arrangements with the assistance of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), which will work closely with TCN to ensure that consumers experience the least possible inconvenience during this maintenance window,” the statement added.
Commitment to Improved Power Supply
The TCN emphasized that the maintenance exercise is a proactive measure aimed at strengthening the national grid and preventing avoidable system collapses. It explained that regular maintenance is critical to ensuring the stability of the transmission network, especially as demand for electricity continues to rise.
“The Gombe substation is a vital link in the North-East transmission corridor. This preventive maintenance is necessary to guarantee uninterrupted power delivery to homes, industries, and public institutions in the region,” the company stated.
TCN reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing investments in transmission infrastructure and enhancing grid capacity across all regions of the country.
Collaboration with Distribution Companies
The Transmission Company also disclosed that it is working closely with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) to coordinate load management throughout the maintenance period. JEDC, which distributes power to Gombe and neighboring states, has already begun notifying its customers of potential load reductions during the 10-day exercise.
A senior TCN official, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, explained that such maintenance activities are part of the company’s periodic preventive maintenance schedule across its network. “We are implementing similar exercises nationwide to strengthen the grid and improve reliability. The goal is to minimize unplanned outages and stabilize voltage levels,” the official said.
Government’s Focus on Grid Stability
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, has consistently emphasized the need for improved grid stability and energy efficiency. In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has directed TCN and other power agencies to prioritize preventive maintenance and system upgrades.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, recently highlighted the importance of proactive grid maintenance as a key strategy for achieving sustainable electricity supply nationwide. He noted that while investments in generation and distribution are important, maintaining transmission infrastructure is critical to ensuring that generated power reaches consumers efficiently.
Community Reactions
Residents of Gombe have expressed mixed feelings about the planned maintenance. While many welcome the effort to improve power reliability, others fear temporary disruptions could affect businesses and domestic activities.
A local business owner, Abdullahi Yusuf, told reporters that while power cuts are inconvenient, the long-term benefits of a more reliable electricity supply outweigh the short-term discomfort. “We just hope TCN will stick to the 10-day timeline. If this helps prevent constant blackouts, then it’s worth the temporary inconvenience,” he said.
Others have urged TCN and JEDC to ensure prompt communication with consumers throughout the maintenance period to prevent confusion and frustration.
Previous Maintenance Efforts
This latest maintenance exercise follows similar interventions carried out in recent months in parts of the country, including the Kaduna, Abuja, and Lagos transmission substations. Industry analysts say the move reflects a shift toward preventive rather than reactive maintenance, a practice long recommended by power sector experts.
In August 2025, TCN completed an upgrade of the Kano transmission line, significantly improving power evacuation capacity in the North-West. Likewise, the recent rehabilitation of substations in Enugu and Ibadan has contributed to greater grid stability in the South-East and South-West regions.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s national grid currently operates at an installed capacity of over 12,000 megawatts, although actual transmission and distribution often fall short due to infrastructure limitations and frequent system disturbances. Experts have argued that strengthening transmission remains essential to unlocking the full potential of the power sector.
The maintenance of the Gombe transmission substation is, therefore, seen as part of a broader effort to expand the reliability and efficiency of the national grid—an initiative expected to contribute to long-term economic growth and industrialization in the North-East region.
Conclusion
As TCN continues its 10-day maintenance on the Gombe transmission substation, stakeholders across the power value chain are hopeful that the exercise will yield lasting improvements in power delivery. With collaboration from JEDC and support from the Federal Government, the company aims to minimize service disruptions while reinforcing its commitment to providing stable electricity to Nigerians.
Consumers are encouraged to exercise patience and understanding during this period, as the maintenance is designed to secure the long-term reliability of power supply in Gombe and neighboring states.
