FCT residents urge AEDC action on epileptic power supply

Some electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to improve its services and reduce the amount of time they spend in darkness.

Consumers who spoke to our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday complained of epileptic power supply, with resultant adverse effects on their businesses and homes, especially in last few weeks.

Mr Joe Igbowe, a fashion designer resident in Lugbe, on Airport Road, said that the power situation in his area was poor, forcing him to resort to generator to operate his business.

“Sometimes, we don’t get electricity for a whole day. I have to depend on generator, and to even get fuel to power it is difficult, as most fueling stations refuse to sell in gallons.

”AEDC said that they were load shedding power, even when doing that, they should ensure it is distributed equally.

”Ironically, the same AEDC, when you are owing them just one month, they will cut off your power supply.

”They know how to disconnect but they are not thinking of improving their services,” he said.

He urged the company to do better in its provision of electricity for customers like him.

Mr John Okoduwa, a barber also resident in Lugbe, said that the power situation in his area deteriorated in the past few weeks, when it had become epileptic, unlike before when they used to have constant supply.

”AEDC should ensure improved electricity to enable us earn a living, as we depend on power to run our businesses,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Angela Pam, a fashion designer residing at ACO Estate, on Airport Road, said that electricity was not too regular in her area.

According to her, they only have light for four to five hours a day and sometimes don’t have for a whole day.

”AEDC should improve power supply to our area to enable us to run our business effectively as we are not getting the required service for our payment.’’ she said.

Mrs Cynthia Osuji, a teacher residing at Kubwa said that the power supply in her area had made her unable to stock food items in her refrigerator.

”I can not buy food in bulk because there is no electricity to power the fridge; AEDC should improve their services,” she said.

Osuji said that AEDC was not living up the expectation and needed to improve its services.

On his part, Mr Samuel Ozigbo, a lawyer, also residing in Kubwa, said that AEDC should up their game by improving their services to customers.

Ozigbo said that since customers are paying for the services, AEDC should be able to put infrastructure in place for improved power supply.

Meanwhile, AEDC had on Wednesday appealed to customers for understanding in the face of inconveniences experienced in power supply.

AEDC, in a notice on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, attributed the power outage in some areas to a technical fault affecting the feeder serving them, promising that its technical team was working tirelessly to restore power later in the day.

It specifically listed those affected as customers around S24 Gaduwa Injection Substation, S22 Apo Injection Substation S23, Gudu Injection Substation, Kaura District, Gaduwa District, Adisa Estate, and Naval Quarters.

Others are Durumi 1, 2, Zone A and B, National Assembly Quarters, Zone D, First Gate, Ibrahim Waziri Crescent, Catholic Secretariat, Area 1 Old Secretariat Zone, Assembly Quarters, David Ejoor Street and environs.