From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Some residents of Enugu State have been plunged into darkness following a dispute between electricity stakeholders over the implementation of a new tariff order.
The confusion began after the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) announced a reduction in electricity tariff for Band A customers, lowering the rate from N209.50 to N160.40 per kilowatt-hour. The new tariff took effect on Friday, August 1, 2025.
However, the move has sparked a face-off between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the newly operational MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), with ripple effects felt across the state.
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Since Thursday, July 31, consumers on Bands B to F have been without electricity, fuelling speculation that the blackout was linked to the ongoing dispute.
“Since July 31, all the people on Band B to F have not had a power supply till now (Monday). It is only those on Band A that have electricity,” a resident of Independence Layout said.
Another consumer who lives in Coal Camp confirmed that they have been without electricity since Thursday. “We have not had light since Thursday. I don’t know what the issue is. We have run out of water.
“You can see my neighbour going outside to fetch water. I now warm the soup I kept in the freezer. The main issue is that I don’t know what is going on.”
However, a different consumer who usually buys 22 units for N5,000 said she received 28 units on Monday for the same amount. “We have light. I even recharged today and got an increase in the amount of units. Honestly, I was expecting more, but it’s good. I thank the Enugu State government for this one.”
In a statement released on Monday, MEDL confirmed the power outage in parts of Enugu, attributing it to a sharp drop in electricity supply from EEDC, its parent company and sole energy provider.
“The situation is due to a significant drop in energy allocation from our parent company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC),” the company said.
According to MEDL, EEDC was reluctant to implement the new tariff order due to the projected financial losses. “After analysing the implications of the new tariff, EEDC concluded that implementing it would result in a monthly loss of over N1 billion, which makes it impossible for EEDC to meet its obligations to the Market,” the statement read.
To mitigate these losses, EEDC reportedly cut its energy supply to MEDL by about 50 per cent, disrupting services across much of Enugu.
MEDL clarified that it does not receive electricity directly from the national grid but relies solely on EEDC, which holds the vesting contract with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience this situation has caused our valued customers,” MEDL said, adding that discussions are ongoing with EEDC, EERC, NERC, the Nigerian System Operator (NISO), and NBET to find a resolution within 48 hours or soon thereafter.
The post Enugu residents in darkness as EEDC, EERC clash over tariff cut appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
