AEDC Blames TCN for Poor Power Supply in Wuye as Residents Lament Service Failure
Residents of Wuye District in Abuja have expressed deep frustration over persistent poor electricity supply, despite being classified under the premium Band A consumer category, which is expected to receive up to 20 hours of power daily.
The epileptic power supply has reportedly damaged several household and office appliances, including televisions, refrigerators, and computer systems. The situation has left many residents questioning the justification for their high electricity tariffs, given the poor service delivery.
Speaking to Economic Confidential, a senior official of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) attributed the power shortage to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). According to him, “The problem lies with TCN. Our role as a distribution company is to supply power received from the national grid, but TCN has not been consistent in transmitting sufficient electricity from the generating companies (GenCos) to us.”
The AEDC official explained that while distribution companies (DisCos) are responsible for delivering electricity to end-users, they depend entirely on TCN for the bulk power transmitted from the GenCos. “Whenever TCN fails to meet the required allocation, it directly affects our capacity to supply power to consumers,” he added.
In a swift response, however, an official of the TCN, who also spoke under condition of anonymity, refuted the claims. He insisted that TCN’s responsibility ends at ensuring the transmission of electricity from the national grid to the DisCos, which, according to him, it has been discharging diligently.
He said, “It is unfair to blame TCN for supply challenges. In most cases, the issues arise from the DisCos, except on a few occasions when there may be temporary disruptions due to maintenance or system faults. We always communicate such situations transparently.”
Despite the back-and-forth between the two power agencies, residents of Wuye remain at the receiving end of the poor supply, expressing disappointment over the service failure and lack of accountability.
“This is unacceptable. We are on Band A and pay high rates with the hope of getting at least 20 hours of electricity daily. Instead, we hardly get 10 hours, and our appliances are suffering,” said a visibly angry resident.
The situation underscores the persistent inefficiencies in Nigeria’s electricity value chain, where blame trading between agencies often leaves consumers in darkness and despair.
