The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has clarified that the recent disconnection of electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board was necessitated by the agency’s failure to clear electricity bills accumulated for over a year.
In a statement issued on Saturday, AEDC’s Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, Omede Odekina, said the decision followed prolonged non-payment despite repeated notices and engagements aimed at resolving the debt in line with regulatory provisions.
The power firm noted that electricity supply has since been restored after appeals and concerns from residents, but stressed that the reconnection was granted strictly on conditional terms.
According to Odekina, the Water Board has been handed a two-week deadline to present and commence the implementation of a credible repayment plan to offset its outstanding obligations.
He explained that while the disconnection was justified, AEDC took into account the essential nature of water supply to public health and community wellbeing. As a result, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, approved the immediate restoration of power to enable the resumption of water services across affected parts of the FCT.
Odekina said the move reflected AEDC’s broader commitment to safeguarding access to critical services and balancing regulatory enforcement with social responsibility.
He, however, warned that the reprieve would be short-lived if the Water Board fails to meet the agreed conditions, noting that AEDC would have no option but to disconnect supply again in line with extant guidelines.
While describing disconnection as a measure of last resort, AEDC assured residents of the FCT of its continued commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance and the delivery of reliable and sustainable electricity services.
