South East Electricity Consumers Urge Resolution of Tariff Dispute Between EERC and MPDL
The South East Electricity Consumers Association has urged the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission to resolve its tariff dispute with Mainpower Distribution.
The group warned that the disagreement is worsening outages and hurting consumers in Enugu.
Electricity consumers in the South East, under the South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA), have appealed to the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to urgently resolve its ongoing tariff dispute with Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited (MPDL) to prevent further disruption of power supply across the state.
In a letter addressed to the EERC and signed by SEECA’s Coordinator, Dr Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, the group said the disagreement over the July 18, 2025 Tariff Order had plunged many parts of Enugu into darkness and created confusion in the electricity market.
Dr Okafor noted that the dispute between the regulator and the distribution company revolves around data usage, operational costs, technical losses, and capital expenditure recognition. He explained that both sides had taken firm positions, making intervention by a neutral third party necessary.
According to him, MPDL petitioned the EERC after the commission reduced the Band A tariff from ₦209/kWh to ₦160/kWh, arguing that the new rate could lead to losses of more than ₦1.3 billion in the first month alone. The regulator, however, maintained that its figures were based on data supplied by the company itself.
SEECA said the tariff controversy has resulted in inconsistent power supply, leaving several communities without electricity for days. The group called on the EERC to suspend implementation of the disputed tariff until the matter is fully reviewed.
It further recommended the appointment of an independent technical panel to reassess the figures and mediate between both sides.
SEECA also demanded that meter installation costs be properly captured in the tariff framework to ensure timely distribution of prepaid meters to all unmetered customers in Enugu.
While urging the commission to remain impartial, Dr Okafor stressed that peace and reliable electricity supply in Enugu the symbolic capital of Igbo land depend on striking a fair balance between investor interests and consumer protection.
