Masaka, Keffi & Lafia: AEDC Addresses Electricity Supply Constraints Amid Revenue Challenges in Nasarawa State
The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has issued an important announcement to its customers, royals, and stakeholders in Lafia, Keffi, Nasarawa, Masaka, and surrounding communities regarding the ongoing electricity supply challenges affecting the region.
In a Statement by its Management Team today Wednesday, the AEDC expressed deep understanding and empathy towards the frustrations of residents due to the limited power allocation to Lafia, which has recently fluctuated between 5 MW and 10 MW—significantly below the levels required to meet the increasing demand in the state capital and nearby areas.
“This situation has resulted in prolonged power outages and rising concerns among customers, leading to recent expressions of agitation. The constraints are primarily due to national challenges that are beyond AEDC’s direct control. The organization noted that Nigeria’s power sector encounters significant difficulties during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April.
“During this period, hydropower generation decreases due to low water levels in dams, while many thermal plants face reduced gas supply due to pipeline issues, vandalism, and other disruptions in the supply chain. Such factors have consequently led to lower overall power generation and reduced allocations from the national grid to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), including AEDC,” the Statement explained.
According to the AEDC, recent reports from the grid operator indicate that allocations to DisCos have been severely restricted at times, occasionally dropping drastically due to system issues and generation shortfalls.
Other DisCos have similarly noted that widespread outages are connected to gas shortages and decreased national generation, underscoring that these challenges are outside the DisCos’ control and necessitate collaborative efforts among generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
In an effort to improve the situation in Nasarawa State, AEDC has managed to boost power supply to Lafia up to 10 MW, despite threats to allocations from neighboring regions and the overarching limitations at the national level.
The company remains committed to equitable distribution and is actively collaborating with stakeholders, including security agencies and state authorities, to oversee and manage the ongoing challenges.
AEDC expressed gratitude to its customers for their patience and understanding during this challenging period.
“The company is stepping up its public sensitization initiatives to explain the realities of the national electricity situation, particularly regarding the seasonal impacts on hydropower and gas-fired plants.
“AEDC encourages calm and constructive dialogue as it continues to advocate for better allocations and infrastructure improvements at the national level.
*AEDC reassures customers that it is actively engaging with national grid operators and other relevant stakeholders to secure improved allocations as conditions allow.’
The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) further reiterated the critical importance of revenue collection for sustaining operations and funding necessary network upgrades, while also prioritizing safety and fairness in the distribution of electricity supply.
The AEDC acknowledged the challenges posed by current electricity supply limitations but emphasized its commitment to innovative solutions aimed at reducing reliance on the national grid.
“The company is exploring partnerships for solar mini-grids, interconnected renewable energy projects, and other distributed energy resources. These initiatives are designed to enhance reliability and sustainability, particularly in regions like Nasarawa State.”
AEDC urged customers to voice any specific concerns through its official channels, reinforcing its commitment to transparent communication across all platforms. The management expressed its dedication to serving the people of Nasarawa State and the larger franchise area, assuring them of continued efforts to improve service delivery.
The statement also conveyed optimism for an imminent improvement in national electricity supply, with AEDC prepared to restore more stable service while pursuing longer-term solutions to decrease dependency on the grid and ensure more resilient power access.
The Management concluded with gratitude, thanking customers for their continued support and understanding as they navigate these challenges.
