Government House In Kaduna Faces Power Shutdown Over Electricity Debt

Government House In Kaduna Faces Power Shutdown Over Electricity Debt

The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has disconnected the electricity supply to the Kaduna Government House due to an outstanding debt of ₦2.9 billion. According to Abdulazeez Abdullahi, KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communication, the Government House had not settled its electricity bills for the past seven months…….. CONTINUE READING 

This disconnection follows a separate action earlier on Friday when the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) sealed the electricity company over ₦600 million in unpaid taxes.

Abdullahi stated that the decision to cut off power came after extensive efforts to resolve the payment issues through consultations and reconciliations. The total debt includes ₦1.166 billion for electricity consumed from January to July 2024, contributing to the overall debt of ₦2.943 billion, which encompasses both recent and historical arrears.

Despite a ₦256 million payment made on May 9, 2024, for electricity used between September and December 2023, the debt remains substantial. Abdullahi noted that this payment, while significant, did not cover the accumulated arrears.

The disconnection notice was issued on July 21, 2024, and received by the Governor’s Office the following day. Abdullahi emphasized that the disconnection was a last resort after all other attempts to resolve the issue had been exhausted. He pointed out that states like Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, under the same franchise, have managed to keep their accounts in good standing.

He also highlighted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had previously intervened in KEDCO by installing an Administrator and Special Board to oversee the company’s transition to new investors. The Administrator had committed to a ₦20 million monthly payment plan to the Kaduna Inland Revenue Service, which has been adhered to since the new management took over.

Abdullahi stressed the need for improved financial management and timely payments by government entities to prevent disruptions in essential services and called for swift action from the Kaduna State Government to address the arrears and restore power to the affected offices.

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