Power restored to FCT Water Board as AEDC secures debt commitment

Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reconnected electricity to the FCT Water Board, restoring water services across the Federal Capital Territory after a temporary disconnection caused by over a year of unpaid electricity bills. The reconnection comes with a condition: the Water Board has been given two weeks to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan to settle its outstanding obligations.

In a statement, AEDC emphasized its commitment to public welfare and regulatory compliance, noting that disconnection remains a measure of last resort. The company assured residents that it would continue to engage with key stakeholders to ensure sustainable electricity services throughout the FCT.

The disconnection had sparked widespread concerns among residents, who experienced disruptions in water supply across several parts of the capital. AEDC acknowledged these appeals, stating that the temporary power cut followed “the accumulation of over one year of outstanding electricity debt by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities provided to regularize the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.”

Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, directed the immediate reconnection, highlighting the critical importance of water supply for public health and community wellbeing. “In recognition of the essential role of water in daily life and the concerns expressed by residents, we have restored electricity to the FCT Water Board to enable the prompt resumption of water services,” Okwuokenye said.

The company described the decision as a reflection of its broader commitment to the welfare of communities it serves. “AEDC believes that access to essential services must be safeguarded, particularly where public health and safety are concerned,” the statement noted.

The conditional reconnection requires the Water Board to present a credible payment plan within two weeks and begin its implementation. AEDC stressed that failure to comply with this timeline would leave the company with no choice but to reapply service disconnection, consistent with regulatory guidelines.

“We remain open to engagement and collaborative solutions with all relevant stakeholders,” Okwuokenye added. “However, we must balance this approach with the need to uphold regulatory standards and ensure that all customers meet their obligations to maintain reliable electricity supply.”

The company also reiterated its commitment to transparency, noting that the reconnection process reflects the careful consideration of both community needs and regulatory compliance. AEDC assured residents that it would continue to monitor and manage electricity services proactively to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The swift action to restore electricity to the FCT Water Board underscores AEDC’s dedication to delivering essential services while maintaining regulatory integrity. By balancing enforcement with collaboration, the company aims to provide uninterrupted power to critical institutions and residential areas alike, fostering a more reliable and resilient electricity system across Abuja.

AEDC’s leadership emphasized that the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of timely bill settlement by all consumers, while reaffirming the company’s ongoing commitment to engaging with stakeholders and ensuring that electricity supply supports public health, community development, and the overall wellbeing of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.