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Tag: AEDC

  • Just In: Finally, AEDC restores power in some parts of Abuja after national grid collapsed

    Just In: Finally, AEDC restores power in some parts of Abuja after national grid collapsed

    The power outages Nigerians experienced on Monday evening have been restored in some parts of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company franchise areas.

    A check carried out revealed that places like Deidei, Suleja, Lugbe, Kuje and other areas had their light restored on Tuesday at about 5:15 am.

    Customers in the AEDC were told of the disruption in supply, which was attributed to the collapse of the National grid.

    In a statement on its Twitter handle on Monday, the company said that the system collapse occurred at about 6.58 pm.

    Be rest assured that we are working with relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon the grid stabilises,” it said.

  • Total blackout as National Grid collapses again

    Total blackout as National Grid collapses again

    Nigerians again were plunged into darkness on Monday evening as the National Grid suffered yet another collapse, disrupting electricity supply across several states.

    In a statement, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) alerted its customers to the collapse, which occurred at 6:48 pm.

    The company confirmed that the outage affected its entire network.

    “This system collapse has led to the current loss of power supply across the EEDC network,” the statement read.

    “As a result, all our interface stations with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are without supply, rendering us unable to serve customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.”

    The EEDC also mentioned it was on standby, awaiting further information from the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo on the cause of the collapse and the timeline for restoration.

    Similarly, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) confirmed the collapse on its X (formerly Twitter) account: “Dear Valued Customer, please be informed that there was a system collapse at 18:48hrs, resulting in the loss of power supply across our network. We are working with our partners to ensure the grid is swiftly restored and will keep you updated.”

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) echoed similar concerns, stating: “Dear Valued Customer, the current outage is due to a system failure from the national grid at 6:58 pm, impacting power supply across our franchise areas.”

    This latest grid collapse adds to the persistent power supply challenges in Nigeria, raising concerns about the nation’s electricity infrastructure and the frequency of such disruptions

    . Power companies and the authorities are collaborating to restore normalcy, with many Nigerians eagerly awaiting the return of electricity to their homes and businesses.

     

  • NERC fines AEDC N1.69bn, EKEDC N1.41bn for ‘overbilling’ customers

    NERC fines AEDC N1.69bn, EKEDC N1.41bn for ‘overbilling’ customers

  • Abuja: TCN announces planned power outage

    Abuja: TCN announces planned power outage

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that parts of Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT) will be without electricity power supply on Tuesday.

    TCN disclosed that its maintenance crew will carry out planned maintenance on two of its power transformers at the Apo 132/33kV transmission substation and that this will happen from 9 am to 3 pm.

    According to TCN, the six-hour maintenance exercise is to enable its engineers work on the secondary busbar overhead of the 100MVA and the 60MVA 132/33kV transformers in the substation.

    “Consequently, Abuja DisCo will be unable to offtake electricity to distribute to its customers in Garki, Asokoro, Lugbe and Airport,” a statement by the company reads.

    According to the statement signed by Ndidi Mbah TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, electricity power supply will be restored immediately the maintenance is completed.

  • Total darkness looms in Abuja, environs as TCN suspends AEDC over market rules

    Total darkness looms in Abuja, environs as TCN suspends AEDC over market rules

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has been suspended by the Market Operator (MO) of  the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), for not complying with provisions of the market rules.

    Mr Ali Ahmad, Market Operator, TCN, said in Abuja on Friday that the notice of the suspension was communicated to AEDC after  previously notifying AEDC it in writing of its default of the market rules.

    Ahmad said that AEDC also failed to provide the MO with an adequate Bank Guarantee in line with section 15.3.3 of the market rules.

    He said that AEDC was served several notices including request for Fulfillment of Prudential Requirement on Feb 13, and Notice of Event of Default: Non-Fulfillment of Prudential Requirement on March 22 but that none was honoured.

    According to him, Notice of Intent to Issue a Suspension Order: Non-Provisions of Adequate Bank Guarantee was thereafter given to AEDC on April 8.

    “The MO in these notices requested that corrective actions be taken within a specified period to address the default.

    “In spite of all notifications, AEDC failed to address the default. In view of this non-compliance, AEDC is hereby suspended from the MO administered electricity market,” he said.

    Ahmad said that no new contract or agreement shall be entered into with AEDC within the suspension period.

    He said that to remedy the situation, AEDC must provide an adequate Bank Guarantee within five  business days from the date of this notice.

    He said that AEDC’s network may be partially or totally disconnected from the grid if the default was not addressed after five business days, in line with section 45 of the market rules.

    “Furthermore, after 30 business days of the disconnection from the grid and the default is not addressed, the Market Operator will terminate AEDC’s Market Participation Agreement.

  • Restore electricity or quit – Nasarawa Assembly tells AEDC

    Restore electricity or quit – Nasarawa Assembly tells AEDC

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to restore electricity to communities across the state or quit.

    The Speaker of the House, Mr Danladi Jatau, made the call when officials of AEDC and Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), appeared before the House on Tuesday in Lafia.

    He said that the invitation extended to the AEDC and NAePA was to enable them brief the House on the power blackout and outrageous bills in the state.

    “Our resolution is that AEDC is hereby given 14 days to restore normal light to communities across the State and failure to do that, we will be left with no option but to ask them to quit.

    “In their place, we will invite competent hands that will give the people of the state normal light.

    “Secondly, the Area Manager, PowerGen Interconnected Energy ltd., handling electrification project in Toto Local Government, is hereby directed to appear before the House on May 21st, 2024, to explain their role in power distribution in the area,” he said.

    The speaker commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his efforts at ensuring power supply in the state, especially through his efforts that ensured the full take-off of Akurba power sub-station, but expressed dismay that the Governor’s effort had been sabotaged.

    “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered us to invite anybody on public issue for questioning, that is why we have invited you.

    “There is power blackout and outrageous bills across the state by AEDC as our people are in pains and suffering. We cannot take it any longer,” he said.

    He said that the activities of the AEDC is creating hardship and poverty to the people of the state.

    “Your company is giving our people poor services. Our people have been sleeping in darkness.

    “Our people are in pains because they are paying for light without enjoying the light,” he said.

    All members who spoke also urged the AEDC to sit up or quit the state.

    On his part, Mr Adeyemi Jonathan, the AEDC Chief Business Officer in charge of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa, admitted that the company was not 100 per cent in replacing damaged transformers and cables among others to communities across the state.

    The Chief Business Officer assured of improvement in electricity supply to the state.

    “I want to assure you that we are ready to do our best in improving power supply across the state,” he said.

    Also speaking, Engr. Yakubu Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), said that the agency was established to ensure adequate power supply to communities across the state.

    On the allegation that he uses a transformer alone, he said that the transformer was given to him as gratification by one electricity company.

    The General Manager assured of his continued determination to do his best to improve on the situation.

    On April 23, the House  summoned the Area Manager, AEDC, to appear before it on April 30, over persistent power blackout and over billing of customers across the State.

    The House also summoned the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA) to appear before it on April  30.

    The House said the invitation was to enable them tell the House why there is persistent power blackout and outrageous billing in the State.

    The Speaker of the House gave the ultimatum after Mr Solomon Akwashiki (SDP- Lafia Central), raised the issue on the matter of public importance during the House proceedings.

  • AEDC explains reason for power outage in FCT

    AEDC explains reason for power outage in FCT

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has attributed the power outage currently being experienced in parts of Abuja to technical fault on some of its feeders

    The company’s management in a statement on Monday in Abuja listed the feeders affected as L36, H23, H33 and 8.

    “This is to inform residents in parts of Abuja that the power outage currently being experienced is due to technical fault on feeders L36, H23, H33 and 8 respectively.

    “Locations affected: are feeder L36-Entire Idu industrial, CITEC Estate, Efab Global, Babaginda Estate, Nizamaye Hospital and its environs.

    “FH 23-Airport, River Park, Shoprite, NIPCO, Dunamis Church, NIGCOMSAT and its environs,’’ it said.

    The company said that Feeder FH33 was also affected and this  comprises Apo Mechanic Village, Waru  Village and its environs

    The company also said that Feeder 8 which has Jabi, Parts of Utako, Life Camp, Kado, Efab, Zango Daura, and Mbora Estates and its environs was also affected.

    According to AEDC, its technical team is working tirelessly to rectify the fault and restore power supply as quickly as possible and regrets any inconvenience caused.

  • NERC, AEDC sued over alleged unlawful hike in electricity tariff

    NERC, AEDC sued over alleged unlawful hike in electricity tariff

    Mr Joe Agi, SAN, has sued the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) Plc at the Federal High Court, Abuja for allegedly increasing his electricity tariff by 230 per cent.

    Agi, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/474/ 2024, currently before Justice Inyang Ekwo, sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

    The senior lawyer prayed the court to hold that the new tariffs and the hours of supply are contrary to the Electricity Act, 2023 and Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution.

    The applicant had listed NERC, Minister of Power, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and AEDC as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

    In the affidavit attached to the suit, the lawyer deposed that on March 23 and April 3, he bought 682kwh utility from the AEDC on both dates for N50,000.

    He averred that on April 6, he bought another N50,000 utility and this time, the value of the purchase was reduced to 206.7kwh.

    He said he was alarmed by the development but later discovered that the NERC and AEDC had created what they called bands in the country, wherein NERC issued what it called the April 2024 Supplementary Order to the Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024.

    “That from the tariffs shared, the 1st and 4th respondents (NERC and AEDC) increased my tariffs by 230%, whereas others had theirs increased by 236%,177% and some others 0% in Nigeria.

    “The tariffs are discriminatory and the hours of supply are discriminatory between consumers and consumer categories and should be cancelled,” he prayed.

    Agi faulted the announcement made by NERC’s chairman, Musiliu Oseni, on April 1, wherein he said “only 15% of the electricity consumers in the country who consume 40% of the nation’s electricity are the ones affected.”

    According to him, the directive is discriminatory between 15% and 85% of the other consumers in Nigeria.

    He argued that the alleged fixing of tariffs using the US Dollars in Nigeria is uncalled for and against public policy.

    The applicant, therefore, sought “a declaration that the NERC Supplementary Order to the MYTO 2024 is discriminatory, unconstitutional and a gross violation of the applicant’s right to freedom from discrimination as guaranteed under Section 116 (2) (e) of the Electricity Act, 2023 and Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).”

    He said it also contravened the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Vol. 1LEN 2004.

    He equally asked the court to declare that “the predication of the costing of tariffs in Nigeria using United States of American dollar exchange rate is unlawful, unconstitutional and contrary to public policy.”

    Agi then sought an order setting aside the NERC Supplementary Order to the MYTO 2024 for being discriminatory and gross violation of his right to freedom from discrimination as guaranteed under the law.

    No date has been fixed for hearing as of the time of this report.

    NERC on April 3, raised electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily, classified as Band A category from N66/kWh to N225kWh.

  • How AEDC staff, others moved functional transformer from Maitama – FCT CP

    How AEDC staff, others moved functional transformer from Maitama – FCT CP

    …asks those their phones were stolen during sallah late night prayers in Kano to visit his office for collection

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ben Igweh has narrated how an AEDC alongside others moved a functional transformer from Maitama to an unknown destination before they were intercepted.

    The CP made this disclosure while parading the suspects and several others in Abuja.

    He said when they were accosted, the AEDC staff said his manager mandated him to remove a functional transformer for repairs.

    Igweh also announced that all those that their phones were stolen during a raid on a mosque in Kano should visit his office to collect their phones as the thieves were accosted in Abuja.

    He equally used the opportunity to warn kidnappers and armed robbers to stay away from Abuja declaring “it’s either you shoot me or I shoot you and it’s either you’re in the mortuary or on the run but we must get you soon.

  • BREAKING: NERC slams N200m fine on AEDC over unfair billing after electricity tariff hike

    BREAKING: NERC slams N200m fine on AEDC over unfair billing after electricity tariff hike

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has slammed a N200 million fine on the Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) over unfair billing after the recent electricity tariff hike.

    Recall that NERC had on Wednesday hike tariff from N68/kWh to N225/kWh for electricity consumers in Band A, who enjoy power supply for an average of 20 hours daily.

    However, AEDC owned up to having wrongly billed customers who tried to recharge their metres following the new tariff regime.

    The Management of AEDC subsequently tendered an apology for the unfair billing in a notice to its customers in Abuja on Thursday.

    In trying to explain the unfair billing AEDC stated: ”This is to inform customers across the AEDC franchise that we are aware of the wrong charges faced by some Band A customers who tried to recharge their metres following the new tariff regime.

    “This is due to a system glitch caused by the reclassification of some Band A customers who have now been downgraded to B due to the number of hours of electricity supply enjoyed over the past few weeks.

    “These erstwhile Band A customers who vended were charged the new tariff of N225 per Kilowatt Hour. Our team is working to identify the customers affected and all excess charges will be refunded”.

    According to AEDC, the situation also saw some Band A customers who are now charged N225 vend at the old rate.

    The company said that once the glitch is resolved, these categories of customers would now recharge their metres at the new rate of N225, which will ensure they enjoy a minimum supply of 20 hours daily.

    “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this change.

    “We remain committed to improving the power supply to all categories of customers, and we crave your understanding and support as we do this, ‘’ it said.

    However, NERC would not accept the explanation of AEDC, having fined the electricity distributor N200 million for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing.

    In a statement issued by the NERC management in Abuja on Friday, the commission stressed AEDC was fined for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for the company.

    NERC said that AEDC will pay the N200 million as a fine for the flagrant breach of the commission’s order.

    According to the NERC, the decision follows a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.

    ”AEDC is therefore mandated to: reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the order.

    ”Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates.

    ”And all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by  April 11, 2024,”it said.

    The commission also directed the AEDC to file evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by April 12.

    “The action by the commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector,” it stated.