Grid Upgrade: NISO Announces Power Outage in Some Northern States
By Admin
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a planned power outage across parts of Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, and Yobe States to facilitate critical infrastructure upgrades on the Jos–Gombe 330kV transmission line.
The scheduled outage will take place from April 9 to May 22, 2026, occurring every Thursday through Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
According to NISO, the temporary disruption is necessary for the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre optic infrastructure, a key component in modernizing Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.
This upgrade is part of broader efforts to strengthen grid operations through enhanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Energy Management Systems (EMS), and improved telecommunications capabilities. These enhancements are expected to significantly boost real-time monitoring, fault detection, load balancing, and overall efficiency in power delivery.
While efforts have been made to maintain electricity supply through available 132kV transmission lines, NISO cautioned that reduced power supply and service limitations may occur during the outage windows due to capacity constraints.
The system operator noted that it is working closely with critical stakeholders, including distribution companies in Jos and Yola, as well as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to minimize disruptions and ensure effective management of power supply across affected areas.
Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver:
Improved reliability and quality of electricity supply, Enhanced grid coordination and load management, Faster fault detection and restoration times, Increased system stability with reduced disturbances, Better integration of generation and load data and A stronger telecommunications backbone for grid operations
NISO expressed regret over the inconvenience and appealed to customers for patience and cooperation, emphasizing that the project will result in a more resilient and efficient power system for the region.
