The Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Mr. Olice Kemenanabo, has attributed the extended power outage in Yenagoa and its neighboring areas to a tragic motor accident that happened in the Opolo region of the state capital two weeks ago.
This accident resulted in the loss of two lives when a vehicle collided with an electric pole, causing damage to several others. Consequently, electricity supply to the affected regions was disrupted, leading to complaints from consumers.
Kemenanabo, who also serves as the chairman of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, provided this explanation in a statement he issued to journalists on Tuesday.
Expressing regret about the blackout, he said, “The current blackout in parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and environs, is a result of a vehicle that crashed into and damaged several electric poles in the Opolo area of Yenagoa.
“Two lives were reportedly lost due to the crash.
“The effect of the accident was a fault that cascaded into the 132/33kV Transmission Substation at Gbarain, with a heavy bang that caused an inferno and gutted the 33kv feeder switchgear, the protection and control systems, and other sensitive electrical equipment.
“This huge damage has thrown the state into darkness, which is highly regrettable.”
Kemenanabo noted that the damaged transmission substation was not within the purview of the state, but Governor Douye Diri had directed the state Ministry of Power and the management of the BECL to interface with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, owners of the asset, and other related agencies to quickly evaluate the situation to restore supply as soon as possible.
The BECL boss urged residents to remain calm as the state was working with the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, and other relevant agencies to ensure the restoration of power supply to the affected areas.
He also called on members of the public to be vigilant and report any unscrupulous activity as vandals could take advantage of the situation.
“We shall continue to regularly update the state as we progress until power is fully restored”, Kemenanabo said.
