FCT, AEDC to reconcile N2.5bn electricity debt

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) are to work together to resolve the N2.5 billion electricity debt owed by the FCT.

While the AEDC claims that unpaid bills by the FCT stood at N2.5 billion, the FCT said its debt was N1.2 billion.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya expressed the utility firm’s readiness to work with the FCT administration to resolve the outstanding amount.

He urged the FCT to make a case for refunds for investments in power infrastructure which will be paid by the Federal Government through the Bureau for Public Enterprises, which handled privatization of the power sector.

He said the governments of Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states had since submitted their claims in respect of such investments.

Bello who expressed delight at the new collaboration between both organization urged AEDC to always ensure that street lights are powered to preserve security.

He also called for prompt metering of critical installations in FCT such as hospitals, water board and other public facilities.

He stressing the need for accuracy of billings, he demanded that meters should be provided before the end 2016.

Both parties therefore agreed on the provision of 24 hours power supply to critical installations in FCT including the water treatment plant, street lights, and hospitals.

The minister assured AEDC of his readiness to settle amount of undisputed debts after reconciliation by joint FCT-AEDC Committee.

In a show of good faith, the minister offered to pay the sum of N500

million this week to reduce the debt profile.

They also agreed to put in place dedicated teams from AEDC in charge of street lights that can be called upon when faults arise and dedicated AEDC team to manage FCT debt.

They also agreed that reconciliation of outstanding debt should be concluded by November 30, 2016.