Poor Supply: EERC Downgrades 59 MainPower Feeders in Enugu
The Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has downgraded 59 electricity feeders operated by MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited over what it described as persistent failure to meet the approved hours of power supply to customers.
MainPower, a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, supplies electricity to consumers across Enugu State.
The Commission said the affected feeders, many of which were previously classified under the premium Band A category, would remain downgraded until the company demonstrates improved service delivery in line with the Service-Based Tariff, SBT, framework.
The decision followed widespread complaints by electricity consumers in Enugu State over poor and inconsistent power supply despite the continued payment of high Band A tariffs.
Under the electricity service classification introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, on November 1, 2020, Band A customers are expected to enjoy a minimum of 20 hours daily supply, while Band B customers are entitled to at least 16 hours, Band C 12 hours, Band D eight hours and Band E four hours daily.
In a public notice issued by the Commission, EERC said its decision was based on findings from technical and safety audits conducted across major injection substations operated by MainPower, as well as routine monitoring carried out through its Electronic Design and Manufacturing International, EDMI, Multidrive Manager platform.
According to the Commission, the outcome of the inspections and online monitoring confirmed that the Disco failed to provide the minimum hours of electricity supply required under the SBT regime.
“The findings from the Commission’s field inspection and online monitoring platform corroborated customers’ complaints that MainPower had failed to deliver the expected hours of supply as required under the Service-Based Tariff regime,” the notice stated.
“The SBT framework was introduced to ensure that customers pay for electricity commensurate with the quality and hours of availability of supply received.”
EERC consequently directed MainPower to immediately downgrade all the 59 affected feeders to bands that reflect their actual level of electricity supply.
The Commission, however, noted that any feeder could be restored to its former category upon verification that it had consistently met the minimum supply threshold in the preceding month.
Among the feeders affected are 9th Mile Industrial 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakaliki Road 11KV, from Band A to C; Abakpa 1 and Abakpa 2, both from Band A to C; Abakpa 3, from Band B to C; Amorji 11KV, from Band B to D; Nsukka Township, from Band B to D; Presidential, from Band A to C; UNEC, from Band A to D; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from Band A to D; and Government House, from Band A to E.
Other affected feeders cover Emene, Topland, Ugwuoye, Chime Avenue, Achi, Amechi, Ibagwa, Ugwuogo, Ugwuaji, Okwe, NOWAS, Coca-Cola, Coal Camp and Dhamija, among several others.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
