Anambra protesters claim that monthly charges now exceed the national minimum wage of ₦70,000, with some households receiving electricity bills ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦130,000.
Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe in Anambra State’s Ogbaru Local Government Area have taken to the streets to protest against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) over exorbitant electricity bills.
Anambra protesters claim that monthly charges now exceed the national minimum wage of ₦70,000, with some households receiving electricity bills ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦130,000.
The community is demanding: Fair billing; Cancellation of inflated arrears; Provision of prepaid meters to those without; Immediate restoration of electricity
The residents, including those with prepaid meters, feel exploited and intimidated by the EEDC’s actions. They point out that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has set a billing cap of about ₦31,000 for their area, which they are willing to pay.
Chief Sunday Obinze, Chairman of the Iyiowa Odekpe Landlords and Tenants Association, stated that inhabitants are subjected to exploitation and intimidation. He inquired how civil servants could manage such expenses, observing that fees previously fluctuated between ₦18,000 and ₦28,000 prior to the new increase.
The community is calling for urgent government and regulatory intervention to address the issue. The protesters argue that the current bills are “inhuman and outrageous” and that civil servants cannot afford such charges.
The EEDC recently disconnected power to the entire community, sparking the protests. Residents claim that efforts to dialogue with the company were ignored, leading to the current standoff.