We’re suffering – Band B, C customers decry AEDC, KEDCO supply gaps

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As Nigeria contends with a nationwide power deficit, electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) have implemented strategies that seem to be adversely affecting consumers.

At present, the majority of Nigerians find it difficult to obtain two to three hours of electricity each day. DISCOs frequently attribute this unsatisfactory state of affairs to transmission difficulties.

Currently, it is reported that the power generation has decreased to approximately 2,900 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million.

Consequently, numerous enterprises are closing down, while families keep adapting to the difficult reality with relief seeming far off. It is reported that customers on Band B and Band C feeders have suffered the most.

During a conversation with ZINGTIE in Abuja, an employee of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), who wished to remain unnamed, stated that customers in Bands B and C are primarily impacted by the current circumstances.

The company, as per the employee, has developed a survival strategy by focusing on customers on feeders that yield greater revenue.

He clarified that due to the higher payments made by Band A customers, there is a growing concentration of electricity supply in those regions, resulting in Band B and C customers experiencing little to no power for the majority of the day.

“The strategy is simply to stay afloat and avoid collapsing while the power shortage lasts,” he said.

“If you were in our shoes, you would probably do the same thing. You cannot continue to supply power to customers who are not generating enough revenue. If they want more electricity, they must pay for it.

“As far as I know, this situation will continue as long as power generation remains at the current level.

“We are under pressure to meet targets. To do that under these circumstances, we must prioritize customers who pay more. Even with that, we are still struggling to satisfy Band A customers.”

When inquired about when the situation could get better, the staff member replied without emotion: “There is no hope for now. The situation may even get worse. We are currently dealing with serious debt issues, and with the present circumstances, the power sector is clearly in crisis. I even fear for our jobs.”

Meanwhile, Ushafa community residents in Abuja have been expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the deteriorating power situation. Some have proposed that their community be moved back to the Band A category that AEDC currently prioritizes.

A resident recounted a talk with an AEDC staff member in a message posted on a community WhatsApp group.

“Good evening house. I hope this message meets you well. Yesterday, an AEDC customer service officer visited me in my office, and we discussed at length the way their office has started treating our community regarding power supply.

“When she began explaining the situation, it became clear that the issue is quite serious.

“Her main advice was that we should approach the AEDC Area Manager and request that our area be moved back to Band A.

“According to her, Band A customers pay more than those in Bands B, C, and others. Because of this, when the company receives limited electricity to distribute, they prioritize areas on Band A in order to meet their revenue targets.

“She gave the example of Durumi Village, which is on Band A. She explained that if there is limited power to distribute, they would rather supply areas that pay more so they can meet their targets; otherwise, they could face sanctions or even lose their jobs.

“For areas like ours, what they usually do is reduce supply to about four or five hours and divert the remaining electricity to higher-paying areas.

“She also said they sometimes restore power late at night and take it back around 4 a.m., which is exactly what is happening in our community,” the resident said.

The resident additionally asserted that the official implied the matter might not be a result of insufficient gas, as is frequently said.

The resident sent a follow-up message to AEDC in which they requested clarification regarding the development.

In its response, the company recognized the persistent difficulties.

“Dear …, please be informed that the current power supply has reduced due to a decrease in allocation from the national grid.

“As a result, load shedding is being implemented to ensure that all customers receive some level of supply. This is why you may not be receiving the expected hours of electricity for your feeder.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the message, signed Lily, read.

Zainab Badamasi Shakallo owns a small business in Kano. She informed ZINGTIE that she has since abandoned the hope that KEDCO will deliver a reliable power supply.

She said, “We had light yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, it was for less than an hour. Before then, I don’t know when we last had electricity.”

According to her, the most painful aspect is the complete lack of explanation for the unreliable electricity supply, particularly during Ramadan and the ongoing heat.

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