In response to ongoing power disruptions across Enugu State, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has assured the public that it is actively addressing the situation. The commission has stated that steps are being taken to resolve the erratic power supply, which has plagued various parts of the state, particularly affecting residents in Bands B to E.
In a statement released on Sunday, the EERC confirmed that a meeting was held with both the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and MainPower to address the issue. The commission’s intervention aims to restore regular power supply and resolve ongoing vending challenges, which have been frustrating customers for several weeks.
Challenges in Power Supply and Vending Issues
The power outages were triggered by a decision from MainPower, who claimed that they were instructed by EEDC to curtail power supply to certain areas due to reduced energy supply. This reduction in energy was a consequence of the new electricity tariff slashing for Band A customers, from N209 per kWh to N160 per kWh.
In a response to these disruptions, the EERC clarified that MainPower and EEDC faced technical difficulties in separating Enugu State from the broader coverage area managed by EEDC, causing “code coverage conflicts and related glitches.” MainPower assured that these issues would soon be rectified.
During the meeting, the EERC mandated MainPower to formally communicate with its customers regarding the ongoing vending challenges. This communication is crucial to keeping residents informed and ensuring that measures are in place to restore normal services.
EERC Calls for Formal Petition Process
The commission also reminded MainPower of its obligations under the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023, urging the company to file a formal petition if it found the tariff order unsatisfactory. This formal petition will enable a public hearing, allowing stakeholders to address the issue before any further action is taken.
“The Business Rules are accessible to all the stakeholders on the commission’s website,” the EERC stated, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Collaboration at State and Federal Levels
The EERC emphasized its commitment to consulting with relevant stakeholders at both state and federal levels to ensure that the regulatory approach taken will resolve the power disruptions effectively. It also stressed the importance of balancing the needs of developers, service providers, and customers, ensuring that the subnational electricity market in Enugu remains robust and sustainable.
Furthermore, the commission assured that MainPower would be able to recover sufficient revenue to cover its operational costs, as stipulated by the law.
MainPower’s Response
MainPower Electricity Distribution Company, in a statement issued earlier, cited the reduced power supply from EEDC as the primary reason for the outages. The company stated that the reduction in power supply followed the decision to slash electricity tariffs for Band A customers. This led to a widespread power outage in several areas, particularly those in Bands B to E, from August 1.
FOCPEN Demands Immediate Action
The Forum for Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) has condemned the persistent outages, calling the situation a “deliberate and ongoing power cut” orchestrated by the EEDC. The forum has urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to intervene promptly and restore electricity to Enugu State. It has also called on Chief Bayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, to step in and urge NERC and EEDC to reverse the power cuts.
As the EERC continues to work with stakeholders to resolve the situation, it remains committed to ensuring that the people of Enugu State are not deprived of their rights to reliable electricity services.