The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has disclosed that it is working with all the relevant stakeholders in the industry to address the power supply challenges in Nasarawa State.
AEDC, in a statement on Wednesday, blamed the situation on lower overall power generation and reduced allocations from the national grid to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), including AEDC.
The DisCos said that the Nigeria’s power sector is currently facing significant constraints during the dry season (typically November to April), when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams, and many thermal plants experience reduced gas supply from pipeline issues, vandalism, and other supply-chain disruptions.
AEDC, said the challenges have reduced supply to between 5 MW and 10 MW which is currently affecting Lafia, Keffi, Nasarawa and Masaka and other communities across Nasarawa State.
The Company explained that “recent data from the grid operator show that allocations to DisCos have been severely limited at times, sometimes dropping dramatically due to system issues or generation shortfalls.
“Similar notices from other DisCos have attributed widespread outages to gas shortages and reduced national generation, emphasising that such declines are not within the DisCos’ control but require collective efforts from generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulators.”
In the case of Nasarawa State, AEDC said it has managed to increase supply to Lafia up to 10 MW where possible, despite threats to allocations from neighbouring regions and overall national limitations.
“We remain committed to equitable distribution and are working closely with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and state authorities, to monitor and manage the situation,” it said.
While appreciating the patience and understanding of its customers during this period, the company said it is intensifying public sensitisation efforts to explain the national electricity realities, particularly the seasonal impacts of the dry season on hydropower and gas-fired plants.
“We encourage calm and constructive dialogue as we continue to advocate for improved allocations and infrastructure enhancements at the national level.
“We assure our customers that: We are actively engaging with the national grid operators and other stakeholders to secure better allocations as soon as conditions improve.
“Revenue collection remains critical for sustaining operations and investing in network upgrades, but we prioritise safety and fairness in supply distribution.
“We remain committed to providing innovative solutions in the near future that will help mitigate over-reliance on the national grid, including through partnerships for solar mini-grids, interconnected renewable energy projects, and other distributed energy resources to enhance reliability and sustainability in areas such as Nasarawa State,” it added.
AEDC advised the customers to report any specific concerns through its official channels, and we will continue transparent communication via our platforms.
“AEDC remains dedicated to serving the people of Nasarawa State and our entire franchise area. We are hopeful for an imminent improvement in national supply and stand ready to restore more stable service, while advancing longer-term solutions to reduce dependency on the grid and deliver more resilient power access,” the statement concluded.
