- FCT residents are protesting the Band A tariff increase by AEDC because they receive less than 10 hours of power daily.
- Consumers are frustrated with sudden tariff changes and inconsistent billing, with some neighbours still using the old rates.
Electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed frustration over the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) ‘s recent reclassification to Band A tariff despite not receiving the promised 20-hour daily power supply. Residents from Kubwa, Lugbe, and surrounding areas voiced their concerns to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Many were surprised to find themselves moved to Band A without prior notice. This tariff band is intended for customers who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily and are charged N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, affected consumers reported receiving power for as little as 10 hours daily.
Mrs. Erica Ekama, a civil servant from Kubwa, was particularly shocked when her recent meter recharge of ₦5,000 yielded only 22.2 units. She noted that her area in Kubwa typically receives power for less than 10 hours a day. Ekama also observed that some neighbours in the exact location still used the old tariff rate.
She expressed frustration: “Why should I pay for Band A services when I hardly get a power supply for 10 hours daily? It’s confusing and unfair that some consumers in the same area still buy at the old rate. AEDC needs to address this issue urgently, as it’s unacceptable to charge for services not being provided.”
Another Kubwa resident, Mr. Mathew Ojei, reported similar issues. After recharging ₦2,000, he received only 8.2 units of electricity. Ojai, who is not in Band A, questioned why he was paying so much for power he did not receive.
“I’m not on Band A, so why am I being charged more when I don’t get 20 hours of power daily?” he asked. Mrs. Osas Iwinosa also reported problems with her Band A status. After recharging ₦5,000, she received 22.2 units. She found it perplexing that some flats in her compound were still on the old tariff while hers was switched to Band A.
“How can it be that in a single compound, one flat is charged at Band A while others are still on the old rate?” Iwinosa questioned. “The process of moving consumers to Band A is unclear and needs to be reviewed by AEDC.”
In Lugbe, Mrs. Omolara Taiwo echoed similar concerns, noting discrepancies between the tariff bands of residents in her compound. She called for AEDC to address the inconsistencies and provide more transparent communication regarding tariff changes.