Clear Your Electricity Debt Within 14 Days, AEDC Tells FCT Water Board

The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has ordered the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board following public outcry over the disruption of water services across parts of Abuja.

The company said that the earlier disconnection was due to the accumulation of over 12 months of unpaid electricity bills by the FCT Water Board, despite repeated notices, and engagementsto regularise the account in line with regulatory provisions.

AEDC in a statement issued by its Head of Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications,
Omede Odekina, said that it
acknowledged the concerns and appeals from residents affected by the water supply disruption.

It noted that access to water is critical to public health and community wellbeing.

According to the company, the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, approved the reconnection to enable the prompt restoration of water supply to affected areas of the FCT.

AEDC stated that the reconnection was granted on a conditional basis, stating that it had issued the FCT Water Board a two-week deadline to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan aimed at settling its outstanding electricity debt.

AEDC warned that failure to comply with the agreed payment arrangement within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to reapply service disconnection, in line with regulatory guidelines.

“The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc. (AEDC) acknowledges the concerns and spirited appeals from residents of the Federal Capital Territory following the disruption to the water supply arising from the recent disconnection of electricity to the FCT Water Board over an unpaid electricity bill.

“AEDC wishes to clarify that the disconnection followed the accumulation of over one year of outstanding electricity debt by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities provided to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.

“However, in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community wellbeing, and following widespread concerns expressed by residents, the acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the FCT Water Board, in order to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas of the FCT.

“The reconnection is, however, granted on a conditional basis. AEDC has formally issued the FCT Water Board a two-week timeline within which to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan towards the settlement of its outstanding electricity obligations”, the statement reads in part.