Epileptic Power Supply: Anambra Residents Demand Unbundling of EEDC
By Ibrahim Sofiyullaha Mokwugo Solomon
Anambra residents, under the Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN), protested against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), demanding its unbundling due to inefficiencies
The group accused the EEDC of exploitation, erratic billing, and poor service, calling for independent power plants and regulatory reforms.
They warned of civil disobedience if their demands were ignored, urging the government to act swiftly to ensure fair and reliable electricity supply
Anambra residents under the aegies of Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN) have called for immediate unbundling of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), citing inefficiencies and exploitation.
The group, who made the demand on Thursday in Awka, during a protest march, emphasized the need for competition and reliable power supply in Anambra and the southeast region.
They noted that lack of competition is the cause of the poor supply of electricity to the state.
Spokesperson of the group, and National Coordinator of Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN), Osita Obi, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the power supply challenges in the region.
According to him, the lack of competition in the power supply sector has led to inefficiencies, unreliable services, and exploitation of consumers.
The EEDC’s monopoly on power supply, he said, has resulted in untold hardships for consumers, including erratic billing, inadequate supply, and poor customer services.
“We cannot continue to suffer in darkness while the EEDC exploits us with impunity,” Obi said.
“We demand that the relevant authorities take immediate action to unbundle the EEDC and provide us with reliable and affordable power supply.”
The group asked for immediate unbundling of the EEDC to promote competition, efficiency, and reliability in power supply.
They also called for the establishment of independent power plants by the state government to provide alternative sources of power and reduce reliance on the EEDC.
Furthermore, the group demanded the enactment of legislations to regulate electricity billing and ensure transparency and accountability in the power supply sector. They also called for the cessation of EEDC’s meter manufacturing activities to prevent conflicts of interest.
Protesting group calls for statewide open dissent
In addition, the group called for civil disobedience across local government areas to press home their demands if the inefficiency continued.
They urged electricity consumers to rise up and assert their rights, demanding better services, transparency, and accountability from the power supply companies.
They also urged Anambra state government, National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the federal government to take immediate action to address these demands.
The call for unbundling of the EEDC has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with many stakeholders calling for the break-up of the company to promote competition and efficiency in the power supply sector.
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