Enugu Government Accuses MainPower of Tariff Violation, Warns of Possible Sanctions

The Enugu State Government has accused MainPower Electricity Distribution Company of breaching the approved electricity tariff regime and warned that sanctions would be imposed if the company fails to comply with regulatory standards. According to state officials, the breach involves alleged overbilling of consumers and failure to adhere to the agreed tariff structure set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Government representatives disclosed that investigations revealed several instances where consumers in Enugu and surrounding communities were charged above the approved rates, further compounding the hardship faced by residents amid the prevailing economic challenges. The state authorities noted that such actions undermine both the regulatory framework and public trust in the electricity supply system.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources stated that the government had received multiple complaints from customers about arbitrary billing and poor service delivery despite the inflated charges. He explained that the government had engaged MainPower on several occasions to address these concerns, but the company allegedly failed to implement corrective measures.

In a statement issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders, consumer groups, and energy experts, the state government warned that continued disregard for the approved tariff regime would attract serious consequences. These include financial penalties, regulatory sanctions, and possible legal action if consumers’ rights continue to be violated.

Consumer advocacy groups present at the meeting backed the government’s position, noting that the alleged tariff breaches had worsened the cost of living for households and increased operating expenses for businesses dependent on electricity. They urged the authorities to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of all tariff-related regulations to protect consumers from exploitation.

In response, MainPower denied deliberate wrongdoing, claiming that the billing discrepancies were due to system upgrades and technical issues affecting meter readings. The company stated that it was working with NERC and other relevant stakeholders to address any anomalies in its billing process and ensure refunds where applicable. MainPower also pledged to improve service delivery while assuring customers that it would abide by all applicable regulatory guidelines going forward.

The Enugu State Government emphasized that its goal is not to stifle private sector operators but to ensure fair treatment of consumers and compliance with industry regulations. It reiterated that electricity distribution companies must balance their need for revenue with the obligation to provide transparent and affordable services to the public.

Energy analysts have observed that tariff-related disputes are becoming more frequent across Nigeria, particularly in states where electricity distribution companies face challenges with metering, infrastructure, and debt recovery. Experts note that strict enforcement of regulations and increased transparency are critical to resolving these disputes and building consumer confidence.

The government further announced plans to set up an independent monitoring task force to track billing patterns and service quality in Enugu. This move is intended to ensure that all complaints are promptly addressed and that distribution companies are held accountable for any deviation from the approved framework.

Residents expressed hope that the government’s intervention would lead to a more equitable electricity billing system and improved power supply. Many called on NERC to intensify its oversight role and ensure that distribution companies do not exploit consumers under the guise of operational challenges.

If the state follows through with its threat to impose sanctions, it could serve as a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures against erring distribution companies. Such actions could lead to stronger compliance across the power sector and ultimately benefit consumers nationwide.

 

Stakeholders maintain that a balanced approach combining regulation, enforcement, and cooperation between government and operators is essential to achieving a stable and fair electricity market in Nigeria.