Electricity Consumers Urge Resolution in Enugu Tariff Dispute
The South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has called for immediate intervention in the ongoing electricity tariff dispute between the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) and Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited (MPDL).
In a formal letter to EERC, the consumer advocacy group highlighted how the controversial July 18, 2025 tariff order has disrupted power supply across numerous communities in Enugu State, creating widespread service disruptions for residents.
SEECA’s Coordinator, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, emphasized that the standoff between the regulatory body and the distribution company has reached a critical point. At the heart of the dispute is MPDL’s claim that the new Band A tariff of N160/kWh would result in monthly losses exceeding N1.3 billion, while EERC maintains its calculations are based on the company’s own submitted data.
The dispute centers on several technical aspects, including disagreements over data usage, technical losses, operational costs, and capital expenditure recognition. As power supply continues to deteriorate across Enugu, leaving numerous neighborhoods in extended blackouts, SEECA has proposed several solutions:
– Temporary suspension of the disputed tariff order
– Appointment of an independent technical expert to review contested figures
– Integration of meter installation provisions into the tariff framework
– Implementation of expedited meter distribution to unmetered customers
The association emphasized Enugu’s significance as the cultural capital of Igboland and former capital of the East Central State, arguing that stable electricity supply is crucial for the region’s development. SEECA, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, positions itself as a balanced voice in the dispute, acknowledging both the need for private sector investment in power infrastructure and consumer protection against exploitation.
“The continued disagreement between EERC and EEDC/MPDL can be likened to the proverbial fight between two elephants, which will make the grass suffer. In this instance, the grasses are the electricity consumers of the South East,” Dr. Okafor stated in the letter.
The group has urged EERC to maintain its regulatory neutrality while working toward a resolution that ensures sustainable electricity delivery in the region.
