South-East Electricity Users: Indefinite Strike Over Rate Hike

South-East Nigeria Switches Off Over Unfair Rates

“EEDC has not complied with the order of NERC to refund Southeast consumers of electricity the N11.86...”

South-East Nigeria electricity users begin indefinite strike against planned Band A migration, protesting increased rates and unfair charges.

The Southeast Electricity Consumers Association (SEEC) has announced a region-wide strike starting November 1, citing unresolved disputes with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

In a statement released Sunday, October 13, SEEC National Chairman Okechukwu Obioha highlighted key concerns, including EEDC's alleged reclassification of all consumers to Band A, leading to increased tariffs.

“In view of a report in the mainstream media in the Tribune Newspapers of the 9th October, 2024, that EEDC will be moving all the other bands to Band 'A',” Obioha said.

“EEDC has not complied with the order of NERC to refund Southeast consumers of electricity the N11.86 billion owed them by overbilling between January and September, 2023.

“EEDC, having not owned up, started repairing and providing transformers, wires and cables, poles, prepaid meters, and all other equipment in the chain of their electricity distribution.

“The resolution is this day the 13th October, 2024, stated unequivocally that from the 1st November, 2024, there will be an indefinite strike by all electricity consumers (customers) in the southeast.”

Okechukwu Obioha, the National Chairman of the Southeast Electricity Consumers Association, has made it clear that consumers in the region are taking a strong stance against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company's (EEDC) billing practices. From November 1, consumers will refuse to pay for electricity consumption unless they're provided with prepaid meters, putting an end to estimated billing.

Additionally, Obioha is calling for an immediate halt to bulk billing and community billing practices, which have been a source of frustration for many consumers. This move is part of a larger effort to push back against the EEDC's plan to move all customers in the South-East to Band A, effective November 1.

Major Demands:

• Prepaid Meters for All: Consumers on estimated billing must be provided with prepaid meters.
• End to Bulk Billing: No more bulk billing practices.
• End to Community Billing: Community billing practices must also come to an end.

Consumers in the South-East region are advocating for fair and transparent billing practices.

“No prepaid meter to all estimated billed consumers, no payment. No to bulk/Community billing, no payment. No to the discriminatory 'banding' of electricity consumers as envisaged in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We demand a uniform tariff for all electricity consumers in the Southeast,” he said.

“EEDC and Aba Power Ltd, Geometric, must as a matter of urgent importance take stock and commence an assemblage, repair and replacement of all bad transformers, begin to provide wires, cables and poles as required by NERC regulations.

“Refund of credits for all over-billed consumers to the tune of N11.86 billion as investigated and ordered by NERC

“As soon as our indefinite strike starts, we encourage the NERC and Federal Government by extension, to advise the EEDC and Aba Power Ltd, Geometric to seize from their supply of electricity to all consumers of electricity in the SouthEast until the above required rules of engagements are met.

“No physical protests of any kind to NERC, EEDC and Aba Power Ltd, Geometric offices and installations are required.”

Okechukwu Obioha, the National Chairman of the Southeast Electricity Consumers Association, has unveiled a bold plan to mobilize traditional leaders in the region to join the protest against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). As part of the action, traditional leaders, including Igwes, Ndi Ezes, and Presidents-General of various communities, are being asked to stay at home, refuse to pay electricity bills, and endure power outages. This move aims to amplify the voices of electricity consumers who are frustrated with the EEDC's billing practices and push for fairer treatment.

Demands of the Protest:

• Refusal to Pay Electricity Bills: Consumers will withhold payment until their demands are met.
• Enduring Power Outages: Communities will tolerate power outages as a form of protest.
• Mobilization of Traditional Leaders: Igwes, Ndi Ezes, and Presidents-General will join the movement.

By leveraging its network and uniting traditional leaders, the association hopes to pressure the EEDC to address the concerns of electricity consumers in the Southeast region.