The recent energy tariff review by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has brought mixed experiences for electricity consumers in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria.
While Band A customers, facing over a 250% increase in new electricity tariff, now enjoy improved power supply, there are reports of very poor supply by customers in other Bands since the new tariff regime came into effect.
According to records published by the EEDC on its official website, the company which is the sole energy distributor in the five States of the Southeast Geopolitical zone, operates a total of Forty-Four Band A Feeders in its network.
These feeders include 18 in Enugu State, 17 in Anambra State, 5 in Imo State, and 2 each in Abia and Ebonyi States.
So far, the EEDC seems to be meeting the required minimum daily service level of 20 hours for most of its Band A customers in Enugu State, with reports indicating a satisfactory power supply..
Fred Nnaji, a journalist residing within the Amechi 33kva Feeder, confirmed to ait.live that customers in the area have indeed been enjoying the promised 20 hours of power supply under the new tariff review.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission said at a post Town Hall meeting interview in Enugu on Thursday that the distribution company has not defaulted on the Band A tariff terms.
While the Band A customers seem to be paying more but enjoying better services, it is a different story of unpleasant experiences for those in other Band categories in the EEDC supply chain.
They accuse the Energy distribution company of diverting and concentrating power supply to Band A customers who pay higher tariffs under the new pricing scheme, while leaving other Band customers in darkness.
The power tariff adjustment in Enugu State may have resulted in improved services for Band A customers, yet challenges persist for others, which now raises concerns about equitable service delivery and customer satisfaction.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
