Power outage threatens Abuja and three states as TCN suspends AEDC

Residents in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and three neighbouring states – Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger – are facing potential power outages following a suspension order issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

TCN, the government-owned utility responsible for distributing electricity throughout the country, accused AEDC of failing to comply with market regulations. Specifically, the suspension notice cited AEDC’s failure to provide adequate bank guarantees, a violation of Article 15.3.3 of the Market Regulations.

The developments raise concerns about AEDC’s financial health and its ability to meet its obligations in the Nigerian electricity market. The suspension order, reference number TCN/ISO/MO/2024/002, outlines a five-day period for AEDC to remedy the situation before facing disconnection from the national grid. The proposed disconnection date is July 28, 2024.

“This is a formal notice of suspension to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company for failure to comply with the provisions of the market regulations and failure to provide the Market Operator with adequate bank guarantees in accordance with section 15.3.3 of the Market Regulations.

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“MO has previously notified AEDC in writing of its default under the Market Rules through; 1. Request for Fulfilment of Prudential Requirements dated 13 February 2024. 2. Notification of Event of Default: Non-Fulfilment of Prudential Requirements dated 22 March 2024 and, 3. Notification of Intention to Issue Suspension Order: Non-Provision of Adequate Bank Guarantee dated 8 April 2024.

“The MO in this notice requested that corrective action be taken within a specified time period to remedy the default. Despite all notices, AEDC has failed to remedy this default. In view of this non-compliance, AEDC is hereby suspended from the MO-managed electricity market. No new contracts or agreements shall be entered into with AEDC during the suspension period,” TCN said.

The potential impact is significant. AEDC is the sole electricity distributor for Abuja, a major metropolis with a population of more than three million. The company also services the states mentioned above, affecting millions more residents and businesses. A complete blackout in these areas would be extremely disruptive to daily life, affecting everything from homes and hospitals to businesses and essential services.

Power outage threatens Abuja, three states as TCN suspends AEDC first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.