AEDC Restores Power Supply to Abuja After Shiroro Transmission Dispute With TCN

Electricity supply to Abuja and other areas served by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has returned to normal after technical issues affecting power transmission from the Shiroro Transmission Station were reportedly resolved.

AEDC announced the restoration on Thursday, saying the problems had affected power supply across the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of its franchise area. The development followed a public disagreement between AEDC and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over what caused the recent drop in electricity available to the distribution company.

AEDC had earlier reported that its allocation fell sharply from about 641 megawatts to 314 megawatts. It attributed the reduction to the tripping of 330kV transmission lines supplying Abuja from Shiroro.

TCN, however, disputed that explanation, describing AEDC’s claim as “inaccurate and misleading”. The transmission company said the 330kV lines supplying Abuja remained in service and blamed the reduced electricity supply on low power generation across the national grid.

Despite the conflicting accounts, AEDC said the transmission constraints have now been resolved. “We are pleased to inform you that the transmission constraints affecting power supply to Abuja and other parts of our franchise area have been fully resolved,” the company said.

The distribution company added that technical problems on the transmission lines from Shiroro had been rectified by TCN, allowing AEDC’s power allocation to return to normal operational levels. It also thanked customers for their patience while efforts were made to stabilise electricity supply.

AEDC’s latest announcement did not directly respond to TCN’s earlier rejection of the transmission-line explanation. As a result, the two companies still have different accounts of what caused the reduction in supply.

For electricity consumers in Abuja, however, the immediate concern is the restoration of supply. AEDC said power allocation has returned to normal, although the conflicting explanations have left questions about the exact cause of the disruption and how similar shortages can be prevented.