Power Crisis Deepens in Enugu as Tariff Dispute Triggers Blackout

The residents of Enugu and parts of the South-East have been thrown into darkness following a fresh dispute between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company and consumers over the recently introduced electricity tariff regime. The blackout, which has lasted several days, has left households and businesses grappling with the twin challenges of lack of power supply and the burden of higher tariffs imposed on select categories of customers.

Reports indicate that the row stems from disagreements over the implementation of the Band A tariff classification, which pegs electricity supply at a minimum of 20 hours per day for those placed under the category. While the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission approved the new tariff earlier this year to encourage cost-reflective pricing and improve supply, residents allege that the distribution company has failed to deliver the promised hours of supply despite collecting higher charges.

In Enugu, many households have complained that they have been made to pay exorbitant rates while still experiencing long hours of power cuts. Business owners, particularly those in small-scale manufacturing and commercial services, lamented that the situation has crippled their operations, forcing them to rely on diesel and petrol generators at unsustainable costs. Some shop owners at Ogbete Main Market and other commercial hubs said they have been left with no option but to reduce working hours or shut down temporarily due to the blackout.

Community leaders and civil society groups in Enugu have also condemned what they described as unfair treatment by the power distribution company. They insist that it is unacceptable to subject residents to arbitrary billing and erratic supply, especially at a time when Nigerians are already battling with economic hardship. Some groups have vowed to petition the National Assembly and NERC to investigate the crisis and compel the EEDC to provide relief.

On its part, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company has attributed the blackout to system challenges and resistance from customers who have refused to pay the new rates. The company insists that without cost-reflective tariffs, it cannot sustain operations or invest in infrastructure upgrades that would guarantee stable power supply. A senior official of the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the row has worsened revenue shortfalls and undermined efforts to improve service delivery.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has waded into the matter, urging both parties to remain calm while it investigates the complaints. The Commission said its mandate is to balance the interests of consumers and operators, and it will ensure that distribution companies deliver the service levels tied to the Band A category. It also warned that any violation of service obligations would attract sanctions.

Meanwhile, residents say the blackout has gone beyond inconvenience and is now threatening livelihoods. Artisans such as welders, tailors, and barbers complain that they cannot meet customers’ demands without electricity. Food vendors and cold room operators also lament losses due to spoilage of perishable goods. Several households said they have resorted to kerosene lamps and charcoal for domestic use, reversing the gains of modern energy solutions.

Analysts note that the Enugu situation highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity market. While the government has continued to push for reforms, poor infrastructure, energy theft, weak metering, and liquidity crises remain persistent problems. They argue that unless systemic issues are resolved, tariff increases alone will not guarantee reliable power supply.

Labour unions in the South-East have also threatened to embark on mass protests if the blackout persists and if the tariff structure is not reviewed to reflect service realities. The Nigeria Labour Congress in Enugu has already issued a statement warning that workers cannot be forced to pay higher rates without corresponding value. They called on the federal government to intervene swiftly before the situation degenerates into a wider industrial action.

Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the dispute can be resolved amicably. If the EEDC restores supply and delivers on the promised hours of service, it may begin to rebuild trust with consumers. However, if the blackout continues, it could further erode confidence in the electricity sector and trigger wider unrest across the region.

For many residents of Enugu, the priority remains simple: consistent and affordable electricity supply. They argue that while reforms and private sector investment are important, the immediate concern is access to reliable power to run their homes and businesses. As the standoff continues, thousands remain in darkness, waiting for a resolution that could either reinforce or shatter their faith in Nigeria’s troubled electricity sector.