Kaduna Electric disconnects Kaduna Govt House over N2.9bn debt

The Kaduna Electric has cut off electricity supply to the Kaduna state Government House and other state government accounts due to unpaid bills.

Kaduna Electric announced the disconnection after extensive efforts to resolve the issue through consultations and reconciliations.

The outstanding balance for electricity consumed from January 2024 to July 2024 alone amounts to a staggering N1, 166,856,991.87.

This figure, including the historical debt, has left the state government with a huge debt that currently stands at a total of N2, 943,060,116.77.

“Despite a recent payment of N256, 920,963.88 made on May 9, 2024, for electricity consumed between September 2023 and December 2023, the Kaduna state government’s debt remains significantly high. This payment, though substantial, has not been enough to clear the accumulated arrears.

Kaduna Electric’s decision to disconnect power came after repeated attempts to address the payment issues, including several consultations with state officials. In contrast, other states under the Kaduna Electric franchise, namely Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, have maintained their accounts in good standing, regularly meeting their electricity payment obligations and other repayment obligations with Kaduna Electric.

“A disconnection notice was formally issued on July 21, 2024, and was received by the Office of the Governor on July 22, 2024. The move reflects the Company’s need to meet its own financial obligations amidst the broader challenges facing the electricity sector. Kaduna Electric has emphasised that the disconnection was a last resort after all other avenues for resolving the payment issue had been exhausted. The Company is now focusing on fulfilling its commitments to the electricity market and ensuring stability in its operations and sustainability as a Company.”