- Electricity consumers in the South-East accuse EEDC of inefficiency and demand competition in power distribution.
- EEDC defends itself, blaming sector-wide challenges for the poor service delivery.
Electricity consumers in the South-East have condemned the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for poor service delivery and unreliable power supply. They raised their concerns at a town hall meeting in Awka, Anambra State.
The Electricity Consumers Rights Network and Concerned Stakeholders organised the meeting to address the persistent power issues in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi states. They criticised EEDC’s monopoly, blaming it for erratic billing, inconsistent power supply, and poor customer service.
In a communique released after the meeting, the consumers demanded urgent reforms. Osita Obi, the National Coordinator of the Electricity Consumers Rights Network, and Emeka Ral, the group’s secretary, signed the document. They urged the government to introduce competition into the electricity sector to improve service delivery.
The consumers also rejected EEDC’s involvement in manufacturing electricity meters, calling it a conflict of interest. They insisted that independent power plants should provide alternative electricity sources to reduce reliance on EEDC.
“The lack of competition has created inefficiencies and led to the exploitation of consumers,” the communique stated. “EEDC’s monopoly must end to ensure efficiency and reliability.”
In response, EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, defended the company. He said power supply challenges were a national problem not unique to the South-East. He argued that blaming EEDC alone was unfair, as distribution companies faced multiple sector-wide challenges.
“The power supply issue is a national concern, not just an EEDC problem,” Ezeh said. “We are doing everything possible to provide quality service despite the challenges.”
Consumers, however, insist that the government must act immediately to reform the power sector and ensure stable electricity in the region.