From: Linus Oota, Lafia
Electricity consumers in Nasarawa State have told officials of the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) to revoke the license of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over poor supply of electricity services.
They maintain that AEDC have failed in meeting up the contract agreement between government and consumers hence the poor supply and over billing estimated rate.
The electricity consumers opened up during a Town Hall meeting organised by NERC, in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, to sensitise and hear electricity consumers’ complaints on challenges they face with electricity supply.
Mr. Rilwanu Elayo, a resident of Lafia metropolis said for the past two months, AEDC has failed to supply electricity to most parts of Lafia metropolis as such many residents live in darkness and discomfort.
“AEDC has succeeded only in transmitting darkness and we have been paying for darkness since April. The best thing is for them to leave or install pre paid metres in homes so that they can stop charging us for darkness,” He said.
Mr. Ayuba Adamu, a retired police officer residing in Bukan Sidi area of Lafia said despite repeated complaints both verbal and written to AEDC Lafia on why he was been billed for no light, no response whatsoever was given.
“I complained to them, put it into writing. But they refuse taking my letter. Please i need to know why i should be paying for light not giving to my household. Please i beg in the name of God, my account should be closed for good because the truth is that there is no transformer in my area yet they keep bringing bills,” He said.
Another consumer who said it is rather unfortunate the situation nigerians have found themselves,added that the NERC should revoke the operation license of AEDC for cheating on the masses.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammad Wada, who represented the deputy governor, Mr Silas Agara, charged the distribution company to avoid estimated billing and ensure steady electricity supply as well as make available to consumers the prepaid meter to encourage patronage.
Responding, Engr Christopher Chime, AEDC Regional Manager in charge of Nasarawa who is also AEDC Area Manager of Keffi expressed sadness over the complaints and apologised saying ‘AEDC is still a baby company of three years.’
“For all that has happened, we are sincerely sorry. One of the major challenges facing Lafia is that Nasarawa is the only state without a super grid and Lafia is among the state capitals with the highest voltage level in the country which is 330kv.
“So I crave for your patience as we work hard to improve supply to Lafia because the truth is that electricity for Lafia comes from Akwanga and the voltage is not very good hence the shortages. By the time we have 330kv working in Nasarawa, the situation will change for good,” He said.
Chime then revealed that before the end of the month of July, 1500 pre paid metres will be supplied to residents of Lafia metropolis as approval has been secured for the distribution of the metres.
“Approval has been secured. It is only for us to do the programming of the metres before we start distributing to our customers,” he said.