Electricity consumers in Anambra State have lamented perennial power supply and demanded the unbundling of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), arguing that the company’s monopoly was largely responsible for their sad experiences.
The demand was contained in a communique issued after a meeting of electricity consumers and stakeholders organised by the Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN) in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday.
The electricity consumers also called on the Anambra State government to establish independent power plants to provide alternative power sources to reduce reliance on the EEDC.
They further urged the Professor Chukwuma Soludo-led government to enact legislation to regulate electricity billing and ensure transparency and accountability in the power supply sector.
“We, the Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN) and concerned stakeholders rise to demand immediate attention to the perennial power supply challenges plaguing our region”, the communiqué partly read.
According to the communiqué, the stakeholders noted that the lack of competition in the power supply sector has led to inefficiencies, unreliable services, and consumer exploitation.
They further stated that EEDC’s monopoly on power supply has resulted in untold hardships for consumers, including erratic billing, inadequate supply, and poor customer service.
They also stated that EEDC’s manufacture of electricity meters is a clear conflict of interest, allowing the company to judge its case.
“The establishment of independent power plants by the state government to provide alternative sources of power and reduce reliance on the EEDC”, the stakeholders also stated.
In the communiqué jointly signed by the national coordinator and secretary, Comrade Emeka Ral, and Mr David Eleke, respectively, the aggrieved stakeholders warned that if urgent steps were not taken to redress the power supply challenges, they might be forced to organise “civil disobedience across the 21 local government areas in the state to compel the relevant authorities to address the electricity supply challenges plaguing them.
“We call on the relevant authorities, including the Anambra State government, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the federal government, to take immediate action to address these demands.
“We urge consumers to rise and assert their rights, demanding better services, transparency, and accountability from the power supply companies.
“Together, we can create a brighter future for our region, powered by efficient, reliable, and affordable electricity,” the communiqué also read.
