By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced plans to disconnect electricity supply to customers with outstanding debts across the South-East geopolitical zone.
In a statement by its Media and Communications Manager, Emeka Ezeh, on Friday, June 7, the EEDC highlighted its financial strain, caused by unpaid bills, which hampers its ability to meet power purchase obligations.
This exercise, set to commence on June 10, is driven by the substantial unpaid electricity bills and accrued arrears impacting the company’s revenue.
Ezeh stated: “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc wishes to notify her customers with outstanding electricity bills that effective from 10th June, 2024, the company will commence the disconnection of electricity supply to these indebted customers.”
The EEDC serves the South-East states of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi. The statement emphasised that the company’s ability to continue providing services hinges on the timely payment of electricity bills by consumers.
“For EEDC to continue providing services to its esteemed customers, it is pertinent that electricity bills, which are for energy already consumed, are paid in full.
“If this is not done, it will be difficult for the company to keep up its operations to serve customers and enhance the quality of service,” Ezeh said.
Among the indebted customers listed are several state governments and prominent organisations, including the five State Governments of the South-East; Innoson Technical & Industries; the University of Nigeria (Enugu & Nsukka Campuses); Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Airforce and Nigerian Navy; Nigeria Railway Corporation; and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Other notable entities include UNTH, Enugu; Ebonyi State University; Coal Corporation Quarters; Federal Secretariat & Establishment; GMO Rubber Division; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Nigeria Prisons Training School; Central Bank of Nigeria offices; Concorde Hotel, Owerri; and Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
Commercial customers such as Reliable Steel & Plastic Ind. Ltd; Jilnas Industries; BENGAS Nigeria Ltd; CIFO Petroleum Ltd; STANEL Filling Station; Highlift Pumping Station; FINOC Industries Ltd; Aluminium Extrusion Industries Ltd; VIN VAL Limited, and Local Government Council offices were also mentioned.
The EEDC urged all affected customers to clear their arrears by June 10, 2024, to avoid disconnection. The notice applies to all categories of customers, including Maximum Demand and Non-Maximum Demand.
