Blackout looms in Lagos, others as FG orders disconnection of Ikeja Electric, Enugu disco

Residents of Lagos and Enugu states may soon be left in total darkness following the order for the disconnection of some electricity distribution companies from the national grid.

The companies are allegedly owing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) N231 billion energy service debt.

In notices issued by the market operator, an arm of the TCN, a directive was given for the suspension of – Eko, Enugu and Ikeja distribution companies for failing to renew their security cover.

“The restriction of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company intake from the grid through a Disconnection Order to the Transmission Service Provider to disconnect some facilities of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company until the Event of Default stated in NIISO/2019/003 is remedied,” the notice to Ikeja DisCo read.

The market operator enforcement panel (MOEP) recommended the suspension of Enugu DisCo having defaulted in payment and not addressing the issue within the stipulated time.

“That Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is under suspension through Market Operator issued Order TCN/ISO/MO/002,” the notice read.

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“That Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has been suspended from the Market Operator Administered Market due to an EVENT OF DEFAULT that was not remedied. EEDC was notied of this EVENT OF DEFAULT by a NOTICE OF EVENT OF DEFAULT (NED/2019/002) dated May 24, 2019.”

Similarly, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company was also suspended.

Reacting to the development, Paul Okeke, EEDC’s deputy managing director, said the company is making necessary arrangements to procure and deliver security cover to the market operators.

Felix Ofulue, head of corporate communications of Ikeja DisCo, said the company had sought an extension of time to fulfil its obligation.

“Notwithstanding the above, Ikeja Electric assures all its customers and other stakeholders that everything will be done to ensure that there is no deliberate disruption to services,” Ofulue said.