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Electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) across Nigeria have adopted strategies that appear to be taking a toll on consumers as the country grapples with a nationwide power shortage.
Most Nigerians currently struggle to get between two and three hours of electricity supply daily, with DISCOs often blaming transmission challenges for the poor situation.
At present, power generation has reportedly dropped to about 2,900 megawatts for a population of over 200 million people.
As a result, many businesses are shutting down, while households continue to adjust to the harsh reality as relief appears distant. Customers on Band B and Band C feeders are said to be the worst hit.
Speaking with DAILY POST in Abuja, a staff member of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), who requested anonymity, said customers on Band B and C are largely at the receiving end of the current situation.
According to the staff member, the company has devised a survival strategy by prioritizing customers on feeders that generate higher revenue.
He explained that because Band A customers pay more, electricity supply is increasingly concentrated in those areas, leaving Band B and C customers with little or no power for most of the day.
“The strategy is simply to stay afloat and avoid collapsing while the power shortage lasts,” he said.
“If you were in our shoes, you would probably do the same thing. You cannot continue to supply power to customers who are not generating enough revenue. If they want more electricity, they must pay for it.
“As far as I know, this situation will continue as long as power generation remains at the current level.
“We are under pressure to meet targets. To do that under these circumstances, we must prioritize customers who pay more. Even with that, we are still struggling to satisfy Band A customers.”
When asked when the situation might improve, the staff member dispassionately replied: “There is no hope for now. The situation may even get worse. We are currently dealing with serious debt issues, and with the present circumstances, the power sector is clearly in crisis. I even fear for our jobs.”
Meanwhile, residents of Ushafa community in Abuja have continued to lament the worsening power situation, with some suggesting that the community should be returned to the Band A category currently prioritized by AEDC.
In a message shared on a community WhatsApp group, a resident narrated a conversation with an AEDC staff.
“Good evening house. I hope this message meets you well. Yesterday, an AEDC customer service officer visited me in my office, and we discussed at length the way their office has started treating our community regarding power supply.
“When she began explaining the situation, it became clear that the issue is quite serious.
“Her main advice was that we should approach the AEDC Area Manager and request that our area be moved back to Band A.
“According to her, Band A customers pay more than those in Bands B, C, and others. Because of this, when the company receives limited electricity to distribute, they prioritize areas on Band A in order to meet their revenue targets.
“She gave the example of Durumi Village, which is on Band A. She explained that if there is limited power to distribute, they would rather supply areas that pay more so they can meet their targets; otherwise, they could face sanctions or even lose their jobs.
“For areas like ours, what they usually do is reduce supply to about four or five hours and divert the remaining electricity to higher-paying areas.
“She also said they sometimes restore power late at night and take it back around 4 a.m., which is exactly what is happening in our community,” the resident said.
The resident further claimed that the official suggested the issue was not necessarily due to lack of gas, as is often stated.
In a follow-up message sent to AEDC, the resident sought clarification over the development.
Responding, the company acknowledged the ongoing challenges.
“Dear …, please be informed that the current power supply has reduced due to a decrease in allocation from the national grid.
“As a result, load shedding is being implemented to ensure that all customers receive some level of supply. This is why you may not be receiving the expected hours of electricity for your feeder.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the message, signed Lily, read.
Zainab Badamasi Shakallo is a small business owner in Kano. She told DAILY POST that she has since given up on KEDCO to provide steady power supply.
She said, “We had light yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, it was for less than an hour. Before then, I don’t know when we last had electricity.”
She said the most painful part is that there is no explanation whatsoever on the reasons for the epileptic power supply, especially during Ramadan and the current heat.
We’re suffering – Band B, C customers decry AEDC, KEDCO supply gaps
