The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is under intense scrutiny as residents of Imo State express growing frustration over the deteriorating state of power supply.
Across the state, consumers have raised their voices against what they perceive as continuous poor and unacceptable service from the electricity provider.
From Owerri to Orlu and Okigwe, residents across the State expressed their discontent with the inconsistent power supply experienced since the beginning of the year.
Mr. Ernest Iwenobi, who runs a Cold Store in Owerri municipal lamented the adverse effects of the irregular supply on his businesses which impacted his profits.
“We see supply barely two hours in a day. And within the two hours of supply, power goes off up to six times.
“You can now observe that within the two hours of supply, you can only have electricity for about an hour, or less” Iwenobi stated.
John Ucheoma, an Indigene of Egbu community in Owerri North Local Government, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the erratic nature of power supply in his area despite the presence of EEDC Transmission Station in his community.
“We pay our bills regularly, and we hardly have power supply for about two to three hours.
“Most times, it comes in the night and before mid-way in the morning, it is gone, and we are expected, to pay bills monthly” Ucheoma stated.
Ms. Esther Nwanmma, who resides in Okigwe, emphasized the widespread nature of the problem, stressing that power supply across the state has reached its lowest point.
“Whatever the challenges they have at whatever level, they should fix it. This power supply issue has been this low since December last year, and there is no improvement. It is unacceptable,” she asserted.
This newspaper observed significant opposition to the categorization of electricity consumers into Bands, with many viewing it as discriminatory and part of a larger scheme to deprive average Nigerians of steady and reliable electricity.
Mr. Gideon Ahumibe, an Owerri based public policy analyst, condemned such categorization, labeling it as a reflection of the incompetence of Nigeria’s energy managers.
“It is unacceptable and discriminatory. In advanced countries, citizens irrespective of class enjoy steady power supply.
“Why should it be different in Nigeria? Those who handle our electricity have failed,” Ahumbe declared.
As frustrations mount and criticisms intensify, the EEDC faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of consumers and restore confidence in its ability to provide reliable power supply to consumers in Imo State.