The 16-day load shedding for some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commenced from today 6th of January 2024 as announced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Recall that AEDC had announced the power interruption in parts of its franchise areas that will last until January 21.
It was gathered that the load shedding was as a result of the relocation of the 33 KiloVolt (KV) DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
AEDC listed areas to be affected during the period to include Lugbe and environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church.
“Other areas are American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC headquarters, Coca Cola, Railway, Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
”Parts of Apo, Parts of Gudu, Gbazango and environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari and environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi and environs, and other parts of Abuja.
”We are working round the clock to reduce downtime as much as possible, and regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” it said.
No light from 9am to 4pm daily – TCN
Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the rationing of power supply as announced by AEDC.
Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
Mbah confirmed that the rationing would be due to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s road dualisation project along the Apo axis.
She said that eight number of 132 Kilovolt (kV) and 33kV towers would be relocated along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Outer Southern Expressway route).
Mbah confirmed the areas to be affected to include Kubwa, Karu, Maraba, Nyanya, Masaka, Keffi, Kukwaba, and Apo Mechanic.
According to her, the power rationing will also affect parts of Lugbe, Trademore Estate, Pyakasa, Sabon Lugbe Chika and Alaita axis.
“This relocation work will necessitate a planned power outage from 6th to 20th January from 9am to 4pm daily, which is the estimated duration for the dismantling and construction of the towers.
“It will also allow for the restringing of the power cables that will enable resumption of bulk power supply to the Apo Transmission Substation from Gwagwalada Substation.
“While the relocation of the transmission towers is a necessity for the road completion project, TCN apologises for the inconvenience this planned power outage will cause,” she said.
Mbah assured customers that power supply would be restored as soon as the towers relocation and cable stringing were completed.