Understanding the Recent Electricity Tariff Hike in Abuja‘s Band A Areas

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently approved a significant increase in electricity tariffs for customers classified under Band A. This change impacts numerous neighborhoods and locations within the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company’s (AEDC) network. Let’s dive into what this means for the affected areas and how it impacts the residents.

What Are Band A Areas?

Band A areas in Abuja are the most developed and central parts of the city, known for their high-end residential neighborhoods, government offices, embassies, and major commercial establishments. These areas include:

• Asokoro
• Maitama
• Garki
• Airport
• Wuse
• Lokogoma
• Apo
• Dutse
• Gwarinpa

AEDC Band A Areas in Abuja: Comprehensive List

S/N	Feeder Name	Feeder Location	Major Locations Served
1	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H23_PL_PL	AIRPORT	NICOMSAT,  KOREAN SCHOOL,  NNAMDI AZIKIWE INT’L AIRPORT,  DUNAMIS CHURCH,  SHOPRITE
2	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H37_S26_PARADISE ESTATE	APO	PARADISE ESTATE
3	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H37_S26_K10	APO	AEDC REGIONAL OFFICE APO, JIMENTA FILLING STATION, ZONE C DEFENCE QUARTERS, ZONE E EXTENSION
4	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H37_S26_BEHIND TRANSMISSION	APO	BEHIND TRANSMISSION OFFICE.
5	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R7_4B	ASOKORO	ALEX  IBRU STREET,  YORUBA MOSQUE, BABAGANA KINGIBE, HASSAN ADAMU, BOLA IGE STREET,
6	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R7_4A	ASOKORO	NASIRU ELRUFAI STREET, LARABA DAGASH STREET
7	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R7_3A	ASOKORO	SANI ZANGO STREET, OLADUNI STREET, AYANGYKU STREET, ISMAILA STREET, GWARZO STREET, BABAGANA KINGIBE STREET
8	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R7_1B	ASOKORO	NNPC FILLING STATION AND ITS ENVIRONS
9	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R2_FD6	ASOKORO	WORLD BANK AND SENATOR OBIORA
10	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R2_FD10	ASOKORO	ECOWAS
11	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R6_2B	ASOKORO	ALI AKILU STREET, QUEEN AMINA STREET, SULEIMAN BARAU STREET, IBRAHIM TAYO STREET, DSS QTR, PART OF QUEEN ELIZABETH STREET
12	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R6_5A	ASOKORO	ASO ROCK
13	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R3_4A	ASOKORO	DE-WELLS CARLTON APARTMENT
14	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R3_4A	ASOKORO	STATE HOUSE VILLA
15	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R3_3A	ASOKORO	YAKUBU GOWON CREST, KANO,  SOKOTO, IMO GOVT LODGE, SPDC QTRS, GADO NASKO STREET, AND PART OF JOSE MARTINS
16	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H5_R3_2A	ASOKORO	NIA
17	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_6B	ASOKORO	ARMY WAR COLLEGE
18	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_5A	ASOKORO	NAOWA SECRETARIAT, DIA AND STATE HOUSE CLINICS
19	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_4B	ASOKORO	W.U BASSEY BARRACKS EXTENSION AND NIGER BARRACKS
20	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_3A	ASOKORO	COMMAND GUEST HOUSE AND NAVAL HOLDING LIMITED
21	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_2B	ASOKORO	DSS HQ
22	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R5_1B	ASOKORO	MOGADISHU BARRACK
23	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD9	ASOKORO	ASO ROCK
24	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD8	ASOKORO	NOT IN CIRCUIT
25	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD6	ASOKORO	NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
26	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD4	ASOKORO	NJC, SUPREME COURT
27	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD27	ASOKORO	SGF
28	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD26	ASOKORO	NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
29	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD18	ASOKORO	NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
30	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR 33KV FDR H3_R4_FD10	ASOKORO	NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
31	132KV KUBWA T/S_33KV DAM FDR_K32_FD3	DUTSE	NEW TREATMENT PLANT
32	132KV KUBWA T/S_33KV DAM FDR_K32_FD2	DUTSE	CAMP PUMPING AND STATION PLANT
33	132KV KUBWA T/S_33KV DAM FDR_K32_FD1	DUTSE	LOWER USUMA DAM
34	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H11_G32_7B	GARKI	GARKI AREA OFFICE OGIDI CLOSE, TREASURY HOUSE, CBN QTR, GARKI MODERN MARKET.
35	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H11_G32_6A	GARKI	RITA LORI HOTEL, JERE STREET
36	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G25_FD7	GARKI	UNITED NATION, BURKINA FASO, ZAMBIA AND CAMEROON EMBASSIES
37	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G25_FD5	GARKI	NIGER, GHANA, UGANDA EMBASSIES
38	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G25_FD3	GARKI	TURKISH, SUDAN, AND EGYPT EMBASSIES
39	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G25_FD23	GARKI	NNPC, CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRAZIL, KENYA AND LIBYA EMBASSIES
40	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G25_FD21	GARKI	ENVOY HOTEL
41	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FDR 23	GARKI	SOUTH AFRICAN, RUSSIAN EMBASSY, ECWA CHURCH, EQUITORIAL EMBASSY, DANTATA AND SAWOE.
42	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FDR 22	GARKI	PAKISTAN, INDIA HIGH COMMISSION AND MALI EMBASSIES
43	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FDR 20	GARKI	STREET LIGHT
44	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FD7	GARKI	MAIMUNA COMMUNICATION
45	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FD6	GARKI	OANDO FILLING STATION, THE DOME, NATIONAL PLANNING  COMMISSION
46	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FD5	GARKI	EUROPEAN UNION
47	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FD21	GARKI	NATIONAL HOSPITAL STAFF QTR
48	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H1_G24_FD2	GARKI	NATIONAL HOSPITAL
49	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H11_G32_5B	GARKI	AIRFORCE QUARTERS, SURVEY GENERAL OFFICE, YALWURI STREET
50	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H11_G32_5A	GARKI	CBN QTR, BIRNIN KEBBI STREET, FCDA QTRS, DRUM STIX
51	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H2_G4_6B	GARKI	SAHAD STORES, UNITY HOUSE, LARMODE HOTEL, DAN KANN HOUSE
52	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H2_G4_4B	GARKI	BALARGY, CRESCENT, INTERGRITY COURT, OBANSANJO ESTATE, LILLY COURT
53	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H2_G4_3B	GARKI	POLICE cannonment AND EFAB MALL
54	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H2_G4_2A	GARKI	NESRA, ARMY SECRETARIAT, AROCHUKWU STREET, OKEMESI STREET.
55	132KV APO T/S_33KV FDR H2_G4_1A	GARKI	HAWTHORN SUITES
56	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 5_G2_3B	GARKI	CHINESE EMBASSY
57	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 5_ICC_FD2	GARKI	INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Center
58	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 5_G42_FD5	GARKI	IMO HOUSE, OWENA HOUSE, NACA, ECUMENICAL CENTRE, LABOUR HOUSE
59	132KV GIS DAWAKI T/S_33KV FDR D2_M43_SETRACO	GWARINPA	4TH AVENUE, PART OF 2ND AVENUE, SETRACO GATE AND ENVIRONS
60	132KV GIS DAWAKI T/S_33KV FDR D2_M42_K14	GWARINPA	PART OF 5TH AVENUE, FOREIGN AFFAIRS QUARTERS, DIAMOND BANK, KEYSTONE BANK, ZENITH BANK, 3RD AVENUE CORNERSHOP, PRIMARY SCHOOL, MIB PLAZA, ANGLICAN CHURCH ON 3RD AVENUE
61	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L35_PL_PL	IDU	RAILWAY STATION, EFCC HQTRS, COCA-COLA, CWAY, VERITY COURTS & GARDENS, FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE
62	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L36_PL_PL	IDU	NILE UNIVERSITY, BASE UNIVERSITY
63	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV 9MOBILE FDR_PL_PL	LIFECAMP	9MOBILE
64	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L33_S25_STADIUM MAIN	LOKOGOMA	MKO ABIOLA STADIUM
65	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L33_S25_INDOOR	LOKOGOMA	INDOOR COMPLEX
66	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L33_S25_GV	LOKOGOMA	GAMES VILLAGE
67	132KV KUKWABA T/S_33KV FDR L33_S25_EYE CLINIC	LOKOGOMA	EYE CLINIC
68	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C4_5A	MAITAMA	NILES STREET, MISSISSIPI STREET
69	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C4_3B	MAITAMA	PANAMA STREET, GANGES STREET
70	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C4_3A	MAITAMA	EUPHRATES STREET, REAGENT SCHOOL, YORUBA MOSQUE, OAU QTR
71	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_9B	MAITAMA	CHINESE EMBASSY
72	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_6A	MAITAMA	ZAMBIA EMBASSY, A.A OIL, CONGO AND ETHIOPIAN EMBASSY
73	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_5B	MAITAMA	IMANI ESTATE & PRESIDENCY  QTRS
74	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_5A	MAITAMA	IMANI ESTATE AND SHELL ESTATE
75	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_4A	MAITAMA	NUC
76	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_3A	MAITAMA	INEC, NEMA, DSTV, POWER HOUSE
77	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV MAITAMA FDR_C3_2A	MAITAMA	KATSINA ALA, IG HOUSE, GURARA STREET
78	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV MAITAMA FDR_C3_1A	MAITAMA	MAITAMA AREA OFFICE, HABIBA PLAZA, OSUN CRESCENT
79	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_6B	MAITAMA	NCC AND KOREAN  EMBASSY
80	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_2B	MAITAMA	CUSTOM OFFICE, MURJANATU PLAZA
81	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 6_C2_8A	MAITAMA	GANA AND USMAN STREETS
82	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV MAITAMA FDR_C3_5B	MAITAMA	DANUBE EXTENTION AND PART OF MAITAMA EXTENTION
83	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV MAITAMA FDR_C3_3A	MAITAMA	YOBE STREET, RIO NEGRO STREET, MAITAMA EXTENTION, ZENITH BANK
84	132KV SULEJA T/S_33KV FIELD BASE FDR_FIELDBASE_SULEJA SMART FDR	SULEJA	GLOBAL BLOCK INDUSTRY, AHMIS, U.I DANDADA, MTN MAST, OPARA S/S, BLESSED IKD
85	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_9B	WUSE	TRANSCORP
86	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_4B	WUSE	NEXIM BANK
87	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_1B	WUSE	SHERATON HOTEL
88	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_10B	WUSE	PPPRA
89	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_10A	WUSE	FEDERAL SECRETARIAT
90	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S 33KV FDR 4_B33_8A	WUSE	MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION
91	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S_33KV FDR 2_B33_7A	WUSE	MTN MAST
92	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S 33KV FDR 4_B33_8B	WUSE	MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND ICAA PLAZA
93	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_4B	WUSE	KUMASI STREET, AGADEZ STREET, TFC, PART OF DAR ES SALAAM, PART OF AMINU KANO CRESCENT
94	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_4A	WUSE	BANEX HOTEL
95	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_3B	WUSE	DENISE HTEL, NJAMENA STREET, GOMBE JEWEL HOTEL, SIEMENS, DABRAS HOTEL, LIBREVILLE STREET, LUNGI STREET, AGAPE HOTEL, FCDA QTR, ILOBE FILLING STATION, UBA, GLO OFFICE
96	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_3A	WUSE	MONROVIA STREET, PECHEZ HOTEL, HOTEL DE HORIZON
97	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_2B	WUSE	TULIP PRESS, BUCHANA STREET, TALATU ESTATE, A-CLASS HOTEL, FCDA, MAP U AND FIRST BANK
98	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_1B	WUSE	MINISTER’S QUARTER MABUSHI AND ITS ENVIRONS
99	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B52_1A	WUSE	NEMSA OFFICE & PARAKOU STREET
100	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S 33KV FDR 4_B33_4A	WUSE	ENERGY COMMISSION, NATIONAL MOSQUE, FRAIZER HOTEL, GRAND SQUARE
101	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_3B	WUSE	AMIGO SUPERMART, ALBERT FURNITURE, BARCELONA HOTEL, HAMPTON APARTMENTS, DURBAN STREET, OTI CARPET, WUSE AREA OFFICE
102	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_3A	WUSE	BIG BITE, LOBITO CRESCENT
103	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_2B	WUSE	OAU QTRS, POLY PLAZA, AP PLAZA, & CHICKEN HOUSE
104	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_2A	WUSE	KODA LINK, MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS, GLO SWITCH YARD, CUSTOM QTRS, AND AL-NUR  MOSQUE
105	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_1A	WUSE	ROCKVIEW HOTEL, CHELSEA HOTEL AND PMU
106	132KV CENTRAL AREA T/S 33KV FDR 4_B33_3B	WUSE	TAMARA GUEST, PART OF ZONE 3, FRSC, ABACHA ESTATE, YARADUA CENTER
107	132KV KATAMPE T/S_33KV WUSE II FDR_B5_1B	WUSE	AP PLAZA, CHICKEN REPUBLIC, POLY PLAZA, EXCLUSIVE STORES

These regions are synonymous with infrastructural development, strategic importance, and a vibrant lifestyle. Let’s look at some of the key locations and neighborhoods within these areas affected by the tariff adjustment:

1. Asokoro: Known for its luxury residences and political significance, Asokoro hosts many government officials and embassies.
2. Maitama: Another high-end area, Maitama is home to various embassies, international organizations, and affluent residents.
3. Garki: As one of the oldest districts, Garki combines commercial activities with government offices and embassies.
4. Airport: including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and surrounding facilities.
5. Wuse: A bustling commercial hub with a mix of offices, shops, and residential buildings.
6. Lokogoma: is a rapidly developing residential area with modern estates.
7. Apo: is known for its new developments and estates.
8. Dutse: is a growing residential area with essential amenities.
9. Gwarinpa: is one of the largest single-housing estates in Nigeria, known for its extensive residential facilities.

Why Are These Areas Important?

Band-A areas are crucial to Abuja’s overall development and functionality. They serve as the administrative, diplomatic, and economic centers of the city, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s governance and international relations. The high concentration of embassies, government offices, and businesses attracts a diverse population, fostering a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

Impact of the New Tariff on Band A Areas

The new tariff means residents and businesses in these areas will see an increase in their electricity bills. Here’s what you need to know:

• Power Supply: Band Customers typically receive 20 to 24 hours of electricity supply daily, ensuring a reliable power supply.
• Economic Activity: These areas have higher energy demands due to the presence of commercial and high-end residential zones, justifying the tariff increase.
• Infrastructure Quality: The tariff reflects the cost of maintaining and improving the infrastructure required to provide uninterrupted power to these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the power supply like for Band A customers?
   • Customers in Band A receive 20 to 24 hours of electricity supply daily, ensuring minimal disruption.
2. Why are some locations in Abuja categorized as Band A?
   • This categorization is based on factors such as consumption patterns, infrastructure quality, and economic activity. Band A areas have higher energy demands and better facilities.
3. How does the new tariff affect residents in Band A areas?
   • Residents will experience increased electricity bills. The tariff adjustment aims to reflect the actual cost of providing electricity services.
4. Can residents switch to a different band?
   • The band classification is determined by the regulatory authority, and residents cannot switch bands directly.
5. Are there any exemptions for Band A areas in Abuja?
   • While some vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, may receive subsidies or discounts, Band A areas are generally subject to the standard tariff.

Key Takeaway

The recent tariff hike in Abuja’s Band A areas underscores the need to balance reliable electricity supply with the cost of maintaining and improving infrastructure. While the increased cost may be a burden for some, it aims to ensure a continuous and stable power supply, which is crucial for the city’s economic and social activities. As Abuja continues to grow, these areas will remain at the forefront of its development, setting the standard for urban living in Nigeria.