AEDC Attributes Nasarawa Blackouts To National Grid Shortfalls, Promises Improvements

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has attributed ongoing blackouts in Nasarawa State, particularly in Lafia and surrounding areas like Keffi, Nasarawa, and Masaka, to severe national grid constraints beyond its control.

The Disco’s management expressed empathy for customers enduring power supply limited to just 5-10 megawatts (MW)—far below demand—and pledged renewed efforts to secure better allocations while exploring renewable alternatives.
In a message to customers, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and the public, the AEDC highlighted frustrations from extended outages and recent community agitations in Lafia, the state capital.

“We are deeply aware of and empathise with the frustrations being experienced,” the company noted, adding that AEDC has maximised supply up to 10MW where feasible despite competing demands from neighboring regions.
The root causes, AEDC explained, stem from Nigeria’s seasonal power sector challenges during the dry season (November to April).
Low water levels in dams have curtailed hydropower generation, while thermal plants face gas shortages due to pipeline vandalism, supply-chain disruptions, and other issues. Recent data from the national grid operator, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), show dramatically reduced allocations to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), with similar notices issued by peers citing identical national shortfalls.
AEDC emphasised these are systemic problems requiring action from generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulators—not isolated to its franchise.
The company said it is collaborating with security agencies and state authorities for equitable distribution and intensifying public sensitization on these realities.

“We encourage calm and constructive dialogue as we continue to advocate for improved allocations and infrastructure enhancements,” it added.

Looking ahead, AEDC assured stakeholders of active engagement with grid operators for imminent improvements. It stressed the importance of revenue collection for network upgrades but prioritised safety and fairness.
Longer-term, the Disco committed to innovative solutions like solar mini-grids, interconnected renewable projects, and distributed energy resources to reduce grid dependency and boost reliability in Nasarawa and beyond.
Customers were urged to channel concerns through official channels, with AEDC promising transparent updates.