By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has assured that it will enthrone a regime of transparency and fairness in its implementation of the recent classification of electricity consumers by the National Electricity, Regulatory Commission NERC in bands.
EEDC Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, who disclosed this on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Enugu at the ongoing Customer Complaints Resolution Parley with Southeast power consumers, said the power distribution outfit will strictly adhere to the terms and conditions of the NERC bands Classification.
The Source reports that the Nation’s power regulatory body, NERC, had recently unveiled different bands for electricity consumers across the country with the maximum band A capturing those that will enjoy daily power supply up to 20 hours and ,the minimum Band E for consumers with at least four hours power supply daily.
The EEDC Deputy Chief, promised that in addition to being treated fairly, the power distribution company has put mechanisms in place to ensure that its customers get values commensurate with their expenditures.
In rendering services to all customers within its 44 Feeders that fall within the band A NERC- Classification,Dr Mupwaya also ruled out the possibilities of over billing of consumers .
He noted that plans are a foot to supply pre paid metres to about 12,381 Band A customers within the next three months ,in its unwavering commitment to ensure fairness in service delivery and payments systems.
While appealing for understanding and patience from the Consumers,he assured of an improved power supply ,adding that all relevant stakeholders are working in concert to energize the industry.
According to the EEDC Deputy Managing Director every observed shortfalls in the power distribution chain are not peculiar to it ,noting that they are hiccups from the general system .
“Before the recent shortfalls in supply and band classification by the NERC,you customers can agree with me that some customers used to enjoy over 20 hours power supply daily. By the Grace of God ,we will soon return to that era ” Dr Mapwaya assured
Explaining the rationale behind the parley, NERC Commissioner in charge of Consumers Affairs ,Mrs Aisha Mahmood said it is to sensitize consumers on their rights and obligations under the new dispensation,assuring that the power regulatory agency will ensure that consumers are not fleeced .
Under the arrangements, she stated ,all necessary machineries have been put in place for consumers/ operators conflicts resolutions within the industry.
