The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc has issued an alert to customers in several areas of Benin City regarding a scheduled, extended period of daily power interruptions. Starting from Friday, February 27, 2026, and continuing through March 31, 2026, affected residents and commercial operations will face no electricity supply each day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This measure is required to allow the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to carry out essential upgrade and construction activities on the 330kV Benin–Ajaokuta Transmission Line 2, specifically at the Ihovbor 330kV Transmission Station.
BEDC emphasized in its official communication that the shutdown targets specific high-voltage feeders tied to the Ihovbor facility. As a result, power will be unavailable during the designated daytime hours across various neighborhoods and corridors in the city.
Communities likely to feel the impact include those near the University of Benin route, Ugbowo, Oluku, Upper Sakponba, Ihovbor itself, and the Egba area, along with other zones supplied by the linked distribution lines.
The company made it clear that these daily cuts stem from proactive infrastructure enhancement rather than any unexpected breakdowns or operational issues within BEDC’s network. The work by TCN is part of wider initiatives to reinforce the national grid, expand transmission capabilities, and ultimately deliver more stable and increased power availability to end-users in the region over the long term.
BEDC expressed regret for the temporary hardship this will impose on households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other users. The firm assured everyone that crews will wrap up activities each afternoon, enabling power restoration by 5:00 p.m. daily so that normal evening and nighttime supply can resume.
They urged patience and understanding from all stakeholders, noting that these upgrades are vital for bolstering overall grid strength and minimizing future disruptions.
