From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna DisCo) has disconnected the Kaduna State Government from power supply over N2.9billion debt profile.
The debt, which has accumulated for seven months, was said to be a part of billions of naira that the distribution company owed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
According to the company’s Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the disconnection became necessary after extensive efforts to resolve the issue through consultations and reconciliations.
He stated that the outstanding balance for electricity consumed from January 2024 to July 2024 alone was N1,166,856. He added that the historical debt that left the state government with a huge debt is N2,943billion.
“Despite a recent payment of N256,920,963.88 made on May 9, 2024, for electricity consumed between September 2023 and December 2023, the Kaduna State Government’s debt remains significantly high. Though substantial, but it has not been enough to clear the accumulated arrears.
“Kaduna Electric’s decision to disconnect power came after repeated attempts to address the payment issues, including several consultations with state officials.
“In contrast, other states under the Kaduna Electric franchise, namely Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have maintained their accounts in good standing, regularly meeting their electricity payment obligations and other repayment obligations with Kaduna Electric.
“A disconnection notice was formally issued on July 21, 2024, and was received by the Office of the Governor on July 22, 2024. The move reflects the company’s need to meet its financial obligations amidst the broader challenges facing the electricity sector.
“Kaduna Electric has emphasised that the disconnection was a last resort after all other avenues for resolving the payment issue had been exhausted. The company is now focusing on fulfilling its commitments to the electricity market and ensuring stability in its operations and sustainability as a company.”