Electricity consumers across northern Nigeria are bracing for scheduled service interruptions following an announcement by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) regarding planned outages on two major transmission lines within its franchise area.

The distribution company disclosed that customers connected to the Mando–Kumbotso 330kV and Shiroro–Mando 330kV transmission lines will experience daily eight-hour power cuts on designated days over the coming months.

In a public notice, KEDCO explained that the interruption forms part of infrastructure upgrade efforts aimed at improving long-term electricity reliability.

According to the schedule released, the Mando–Kumbotso 330kV line will be affected from January 17 to April 17, 2026. Meanwhile, the Shiroro–Mando 330kV line will experience outages from January 17 to February 17, 2026.

The company clarified that the outages will occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The temporary disruption, KEDCO stated, is necessary to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to commence the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW).

The installation forms part of the broader Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project, an initiative designed to enhance grid stability, communication efficiency, and system monitoring capabilities across the network.

Optical Ground Wire technology integrates fiber-optic communication within high-voltage transmission lines, allowing for faster fault detection and improved coordination within the power grid. Industry analysts note that such upgrades are critical in modernizing Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.

KEDCO assured its customers that not all communities within its coverage area would experience complete blackouts. The company revealed that alternative supply routes have been arranged to cushion the impact.

Some areas, according to the notice, will be back-fed from other transmission sources during the maintenance window to minimize disruption.

The distribution firm appealed for patience and cooperation from electricity users, acknowledging the inconvenience the outage may cause to households and businesses.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a more reliable electricity supply across our franchise area,” the statement read.

The announcement comes at a time when electricity consumers have raised growing concerns about inconsistent power supply and grid instability in several northern states. For many residents, weekend outages—particularly during business hours—may present operational challenges.

However, energy experts suggest that temporary maintenance-driven disruptions often serve as necessary steps toward long-term system improvement. Strengthening transmission capacity remains a critical factor in addressing persistent bottlenecks within Nigeria’s power value chain.

The Nigeria Electricity Transmission Project is expected to enhance communication between substations, reduce technical losses, and support faster restoration during system disturbances.

While the short-term impact may be felt across affected districts, KEDCO maintains that the infrastructure upgrade will ultimately translate into improved service delivery and more dependable electricity distribution.

As implementation begins, stakeholders will closely monitor the effectiveness of the project and its impact on grid performance in the months ahead.