KEY POINTS
- AEDC plans to source electricity from NNPC’s 350MW plant to strengthen supply in Abuja.
- Infrastructure upgrades and solar projects are expected to raise supply hours in some areas to up to 20 hours daily.
- Meter deployment, improved payments, and anti-theft measures are part of efforts to stabilize the power network.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has announced plans to sign a bilateral electricity agreement with NNPC Limited to improve power delivery across Abuja.
The proposed deal would allow AEDC to receive electricity from NNPC’s 350-megawatt power plant located in Gwagwalada, which is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2027, as part of broader efforts to increase energy supply and stabiliae service within its franchise areas.
The acting managing director of AEDC said the company is exploring multiple strategies to raise electricity intake, strengthen its network, and improve customer experience, while acknowledging that current supply levels are still below expectations.
He explained that energy received and distributed by the company has increased by nearly 15 percent in the past year and added that investments are ongoing in new feeders, injection substations, and network reinforcements to improve power quality and reduce outages in critical districts.
Expected improvements for customers
According to the company, some locations will start seeing longer supply hours from mid-March, with selected areas projected to receive between 18 and 20 hours of electricity daily as infrastructure upgrades come online.
The utility is also developing alternative supply routes to maintain power during national grid disturbances and is pursuing embedded generation projects within the capital to reduce dependence on central supply.
AEDC disclosed that it intends to deploy three solar plants of 10 megawatts each around major load centres in the Federal Capital Territory, with room for expansion as demand grows. It is also encouraging mini-grid and integrated solar projects in underserved communities, allowing private investors to generate power and connect directly to the distribution network to close supply gaps, especially in outlying districts.
