By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A concerned group, under the umbrella of Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN), and other concerned stakeholders have intensified calls for the unbundling of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), citing inefficiency, poor service delivery, and monopolistic exploitation of consumers.
The group made the call in a communique issued on Thursday in Awka, Anambra State capital after meeting to review the services of the EEDC through personal experiences and encounter — a gathering that the EEDC officials also shunned despite several notices and reminders from the organizers. The statement followed the lamentations that trailed the worsening power situation in the state and the region at large, as the consumers accused the EEDC of failing in its responsibilities, leading to untold hardships for consumers.
According to the communique, which was jointly signed by Osita Obi as the National Coordinator of ECRN; Emeka Ral as the Secretary of the Network; and David Eleke, a journalist with ThisDay Newspaper; the lack of competition in the power sector has fostered inefficiency, with consumers bearing the brunt of unreliable electricity supply, erratic billing, and poor customer service.
The group further faulted the EEDC’s involvement in manufacturing electricity meters constitutes a clear conflict of interest, as it allows the company to manipulate the metering process to its advantage.
In light of these concerns, ECRN outlined a series of demands, including the immediate unbundling of EEDC to foster competition, efficiency, and improved service delivery.
The group also called on the Anambra State Government to establish independent power plants to serve as alternative electricity sources and reduce reliance on EEDC. Additionally, they advocated for new legislation to regulate electricity billing and ensure transparency and accountability in the power sector.
ECRN further demanded an end to EEDC’s meter manufacturing activities, arguing that an independent entity should be responsible for meter production and distribution to ensure fairness in electricity billing. The group also threatened to embark on civil disobedience across local government areas if their demands were not met.
The statement urged the Anambra State Government, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Federal Government to act swiftly to address these pressing issues. It also called on consumers to stand up for their rights and demand better electricity services, transparency, and accountability.
