The South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has announced plans to protest against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC)’s decision to migrate its customers in the South-East to tariff Band A starting from November 1.
The protest was revealed in a statement issued by SEECA’s National Chairman, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, and National Secretary, Mr. Ogubuike Ibeagi, following an extraordinary meeting of the association on Sunday.
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EEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, had earlier announced the company’s plan to gradually shift consumers from lower tariff bands to Band A, promising that customers would benefit from a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
However, SEECA strongly opposed the move, accusing the EEDC of failing to comply with an earlier directive by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to refund N11.86 billion owed to South-East electricity users due to overbilling between January and September 2023.
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In response, SEECA declared an indefinite strike from November 1, urging all electricity consumers in the region to cease payments for electricity and to stay in darkness in protest.
Rather than physically protesting at NERC, EEDC, and Aba Geometric Power Limited offices, SEECA intends to mobilize traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure compliance with the payment boycott.
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SEECA also criticized the EEDC for neglecting critical infrastructure maintenance, accusing the company of failing to repair or provide essential equipment such as transformers, wires, cables, poles, and prepaid meters, which are necessary for efficient electricity distribution.
The association’s demands include a halt to the transition to Band A, the provision of prepaid meters to all customers, a refund of the N11.86 billion overbilled, and the establishment of a uniform tariff across the South-East.
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SEECA further called on EEDC and Aba Geometric Power Limited to immediately begin repairing and replacing faulty transformers and other distribution infrastructure as mandated by NERC.
The group also urged the Federal Government and NERC to advise EEDC and Aba Power to suspend electricity supply to the South-East until these conditions are met.
