By Stella Odueme
The Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL) has disconnected electricity supply to the Gwada and Erena communities in Niger State over the persistent accumulation of unpaid electricity bills by customers on the affected feeders.
The company announced the disconnection in a public notice signed by the Management of Niger Electricity Distribution Limited (NEDL), stating that the action took immediate effect.
The affected facilities are the 132 kV Shiroro Transmission Station–33 kV Gwada Feeder and the 132 kV Shiroro Transmission Station–33 kV Erena Feeder.
According to the company, the decision followed widespread non-payment of electricity bills despite repeated engagements and interventions aimed at encouraging customers to settle their outstanding debts.
NEDL explained that disconnection notices were issued to affected customers in July 2026, providing them with an opportunity to pay their outstanding bills and regularise their accounts.
The company also clarified that residence in communities hosting the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station does not automatically exempt residents from paying for electricity consumed.
It stressed that all customers supplied through its distribution network are required to pay for electricity in line with applicable tariffs and the prevailing regulatory and commercial framework.
NEDL noted that persistent non-payment undermines the financial sustainability of electricity distribution and limits its capacity to maintain and improve service delivery.
It added that the continued operation of the affected feeders had become commercially unsustainable after reasonable efforts at customer engagement, sensitisation, debt recovery and amicable resolution were exhausted.
The company urged affected customers to settle their outstanding bills and contact its designated customer service channels to regularise their accounts and confirm the requirements for restoring electricity supply.
NEDL also appealed to community leaders, traditional institutions, relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to support efforts to improve payment compliance, protect electricity infrastructure and promote a sustainable power supply system.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable electricity services, emphasising that achieving the objective requires cooperation from all stakeholders and the timely fulfilment of customers' payment obligations.