The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has formally accused MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited of violating the state’s approved electricity tariff, warning of potential sanctions if the breach persists.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the commission stated that MainPower has resumed charging Band A customers N209.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), contrary to the commission’s directive of N160.40/kWh.

The EERC described the action as a clear breach of the Tariff Order, emphasizing that the company had previously been directed to comply strictly with the approved rates.
“This violation is unacceptable and undermines the regulatory framework governing electricity distribution in Enugu State,” the commission said.
It urged Band A customers who have been overbilled to report the discrepancies immediately, providing evidence for necessary regulatory intervention.
Potential sanctions could be imposed on MainPower if the complaints are verified.
The EERC also condemned recent power cuts affecting Bands B, C, D, and E, which reportedly disrupted electricity supply for approximately 50% of customers in Enugu State.
While MainPower had petitioned the commission to suspend the Band A tariff reduction, the regulatory authority reiterated that compliance must come first before any petition could be formally considered.
“MainPower retains the right to challenge the Tariff Order through the procedures outlined in our Business Rules, but such petitions will only be considered after full implementation of the current directive, as stipulated in Section 20(7) of the Commission’s Business Rules,” the notice added.
The tariff dispute follows a formal petition filed by MainPower on August 14, rejecting the commission’s decision to slash the Band A tariff from N209/kWh to N160/kWh, which took effect on August 1, 2025.
While the petition is still pending review, the company reportedly restored power to customers at the higher tariff, sparking further regulatory concern.
Industry analysts note that such disputes between state regulatory commissions and electricity distribution companies are not uncommon, particularly as distribution companies cite operational costs and financial sustainability as reasons for resisting tariff reductions.

However, regulators argue that adherence to approved tariffs is crucial for protecting consumers and ensuring transparency in the sector.
Experts warn that prolonged non-compliance could escalate into stricter regulatory measures, including fines, license sanctions, or other enforcement actions.
“Electricity distribution companies must balance profitability with regulatory compliance to maintain customer trust and operational legitimacy,” said an energy sector consultant who preferred anonymity.
The EERC emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Enugu State Electricity Law (2023), highlighting the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent electricity market.
“Consumers deserve protection from arbitrary tariffs, and MainPower must respect regulatory directives to avoid undermining public confidence in the sector,” the commission stated.
This ongoing dispute comes at a time when Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector is under pressure to improve service delivery, address overbilling complaints, and expand access to reliable power.
With Enugu’s regulatory body taking a firm stance, MainPower faces increased scrutiny over its compliance practices and tariff policies.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the energy sector are closely monitoring the commission’s next steps and MainPower’s response, which could set a precedent for how tariff breaches are handled across other Nigerian states.