The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has suspended its planned six-hour power outage scheduled for Saturday, February 21, following widespread criticism from residents who warned it could disrupt the FCT Area Council elections .
The company had initially announced that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would carry out maintenance on the 60MVA Transformer TR1 at the Katampe Transmission Substation from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on election day, affecting several neighborhoods including Gwarinpa, Dawaki, News Engineering, France Engineering, Charley Boy, and surrounding communities .
Public Backlash
The announcement sparked immediate concerns from residents and political stakeholders who warned that a power cut during voting hours could disrupt electoral processes and essential services . An African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Austin Okai, described the timing as “deeply troubling,” questioning why power would be cut from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the elections .
AEDC’s Reversal
Responding to the backlash, AEDC announced on Friday that it had engaged TCN to reassess the situation, and the transmission company subsequently agreed to postpone the exercise .
“Following the concerns of our customers, AEDC has engaged TCN and TCN has subsequently postponed the earlier announced maintenance exercise scheduled for tomorrow,” the company stated via its official X handle .
AEDC thanked customers for their feedback and assured residents that a new date for the maintenance would be communicated in due course . The company advised customers to reach its customer care lines at 08039070070 or via WhatsApp at 08152141414 and 08152151515 for further updates .
The FCT Area Council elections, being conducted by INEC, will proceed as planned with voters across Abuja’s six Area Councils electing chairpersons and councillors starting at 8:30 a.m. .
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