Customers in various parts of Enugu State have been experiencing significant power outages over the past four days, with Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) issuing a public announcement to explain the cause. The disruptions are attributed to a substantial reduction in energy allocation from its parent company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC).
According to MEDL, the reduced energy supply stems from a recent Tariff Order issued by the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC). The commission’s order reportedly decreased the electricity tariff for Band A customers from N209.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to N160.40 per kWh.
Upon receiving this directive, MEDL stated that EEDC conducted an analysis which concluded that implementing the new tariff would lead to a monthly loss exceeding N1 billion. This financial impact, MEDL explained, rendered it impossible for EEDC to meet its contractual obligations.
Consequently, EEDC made the difficult decision to reduce the volume of energy supplied to MEDL, resulting in the distribution company receiving only approximately 50% of its usual energy allocation. This shortfall has significantly affected MEDL’s capacity to provide its standard service to its esteemed customers.
MEDL clarified that it does not receive electricity directly from the National Grid, but rather relies exclusively on EEDC, which manages the vesting contract with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) for bulk electricity trading.
The company has expressed its sincere regret for the inconvenience caused by the situation. MEDL has confirmed that discussions are actively underway with key stakeholders, including EEDC, EERC, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), and NBET, to find a swift resolution.
“We are hopeful that a resolution will be reached within the next 48 hours or soon thereafter,” a statement from MEDL management indicated.
MEDL also acknowledged that the communication regarding the outages was delayed, explaining that the full details of the development were received later than anticipated. The distribution company appealed to its customers for continued patience, calm, and understanding as they work diligently with the relevant authorities to restore normal service as promptly as possible.
