A collaborative initiative between AEDC and Beacon Power Services to digitise grid operations, improve real-time network visibility and reduce outages and losses on Nigeria’s electricity distribution network through advanced data management, mapping and analytics. 

Project led by

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), in partnership with Beacon Power Services.

Description of the project leaders

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is a Nigerian electrical utility responsible for electricity distribution and sale across the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State. It is one of the 11 power distribution companies formed following the privatisation of the Nigerian power sector in 2013. AEDC manages meter installations, network maintenance, customer billing, revenue collection, and service delivery across its franchise area. 

Beacon Power Services

Beacon Power Services is a technology company providing electrical grid management software and advanced network analytics solutions for utilities across Africa. Its suite of digital tools supports grid mapping, asset and customer information systems, network operations optimisation and data-driven decision-making for power utilities. 

Project context

Nigeria has one of the largest populations in Africa, yet only a portion of its population has reliable access to electricity, and the national grid suffers frequent interruptions and high technical and commercial losses. The Digital Energy Challenge identified AEDC’s need for digital solutions to monitor its distribution network in real time, better detect outages and optimise performance. Through this partnership with Beacon Power Services, AEDC aims to leverage data mapping and analytics tools to improve operational visibility and service reliability. 

Project objectives

• Strengthen real-time visibility of the electricity distribution grid to detect outages and grid issues quickly.
• Reduce technical and commercial losses on the AEDC network by improving data capture, analytics and operational workflows.
• Enhance operational efficiency through advanced grid mapping and digital tools that support decision-making.
• Build capacity within AEDC by training staff on the use of new digital systems and analytics tools for long-term sustainable improvements.
• Lay the groundwork for replicable digital network management solutions that can be deployed across other regions and utilities in Nigeria. 

Project activities

• Detailed digital mapping of the distribution network, including customers, buildings and grid infrastructure, to create a detailed database.
• Deployment of data management and analytics platforms provided by Beacon Power Services to monitor grid performance in real time.
• Integration of automated tools to detect outages and grid anomalies and support predictive operations.
• Training of AEDC personnel to operate and interpret the new digital systems effectively.
• Use of network data to improve operational planning, including reducing reliance on backup generators and minimising system losses. 

Project impacts

• Improved reliability of electricity service for customers through quicker outage detection and response.
• Significant reduction in grid losses, from 44% to 26% in three months after deployment, lowering dependency on backup generation and improving financial performance.
• Increased operational transparency and data-driven decision-making for network managers and engineers.
• Enhanced workforce capacity, with over 100 AEDC employees trained on digital tools and analytics.
• A replicable model for grid digitisation that can support future expansion of advanced analytics projects across Nigeria’s energy sector.