AEDC loses N1.6bn monthly to energy theft. Non- payment of bills in Nige
by Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC has been loosing over N1.6bn monthly to energy theft and brazen refusal to pay electricity bills by customers in Niger state.
The new Managing Director and Chief Executive of AEDC, Engineer Chijioke Okwuokenye stated this during a Media parley in Minna
Okwuokenye explained that out of the N2.5bn monthly energy supply revenue target in Niger state , the company only realized N800m , adding that, “this is affecting our operations in the state”.
According to him, “this amount realized from the consumption of electricity in Niger state is grossly inadequate and lots of challenges are responsible which include energy theft, chronic widespread unwillingness of customers to pay their bills and illegal connections of electricity lines after disconnection”.
Engineer Okwuokenye explained that at least 18 cases of meter bypass are recorded daily in Niger state adding that the enormity of such criminal act is making it difficult for AEDC to function efficiently and effectively.
The Managing Director assured that the company is addressing the problems of metering gaps, adding that, a total of 6150 meters have been installed in Niger state while the process of another 8000 was ongoing. He said that the company will make refund to those who paid for the meters
Despite the problems being encountered, the AEDC Managing Director explained that they have engaged in the provision of various interventions in parts of Minna including the commissioning of 500 kva sub station in collaboration with Morris community in Minna, and the rehabilitation of 11 kva transformer at Army Barracks in Bida .
