The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), has for the second been fined N18.1 million as compensation for the electrocution of a seven year old minor at Kabusa, a suburb within its distribution network in Abuja.
A statement last night by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) disclosed that for the second time in a short period, the decision to fine the Disco was taken after its accident investigation team had looked into the unfortunate incident and discovered that the AEDC failed in its responsibilities to respond to complaints by Kabusa residents that a snapped 0.415kV aluminium conductor was hanging precariously close to the ground.
The statement by NERC's Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, explained that the Disco failed to respond to the complaint until the deceased minor accidentally came in contact with it and got electrocuted.
Following the electrocution, NERC said it has directed all the 11 Discos in the country to renew their comprehensive insurance as provided under Part 5 Section 5.2 of the Health and Safety Code for the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
"The directive for renewal of comprehensive insurance has general application to electricity distribution companies whose insurance policies have expired," NERC said, adding that "stiffer sanctions await any Disco over electrocution or any established case of negligence within their networks."
The commission explained that Abuja Disco was found liable in the untimely death of the minor for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in Kabusa, even after residents had complained over the facility.
Consequently, it asked Abuja Disco to pay N18 million compensation to the deceased family within 30 days beginning from May 5, 2015 when the directive was signed, and N100, 000 fine to the electricity market for its negligence and failure to report the accident on time.
The statement added that "The investigators discovered that Kabusa area has haphazard and unkempt network which constitutes manifest breach of the Electric Power Sector Reform, NESIS Regulations, Health and Safety Code besides other regulatory instruments."
It further accused the Disco of placing commercial gain above safety standard and specification by supplying electricity to sub-standard network, adding that attempt by AEDC to exonerate itself of any culpability in the incident was found unsustainable.
NERC stated further that the claim by AEDC that it was impracticable for it to rehabilitate all its networks within two years of existence as a private entity was also considered a contradiction of the company's obligations as specified in its licensing terms.
