Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, former representative of the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, has condemned the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for its poor electricity services and alleged exploitative billing practices in his constituency.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with ABN TV, he described the company’s reliance on estimated billing as “criminal” and accused it of exploiting residents without providing adequate power supply.

According to Hon. Nkole, Ohafia, and neighboring communities are plagued by erratic power supply due to systemic inefficiencies and outdated infrastructure. He revealed that the energy allocation to the region is far below the required 500 megawatts, leaving communities in darkness and stifling economic growth.

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“The substations in Arochukwu and Ohafia are in deplorable condition, with some vandalized or completely non-functional. Transmission towers are lying on the ground, and the infrastructure is in shambles,” he said, urging EEDC to rehabilitate substations and replace fallen poles to restore transmission lines.

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He was particularly critical of EEDC’s estimated billing system, accusing the company of imposing arbitrary charges on households without proper metering. Communities are being charged billions of naira without justification. This practice is unfair and erodes trust in the electricity provider, he added.

Hon. Nkole called for the urgent installation of prepaid meters in all households to ensure transparency and accountability in billing. He also proposed a proactive solution to curb vandalism and improve infrastructure maintenance by engaging local youths to patrol and protect power lines.

“This will not only address the issue of vandalism but also create jobs for our youths as part of EEDC’s corporate social responsibility,” he suggested.

The former lawmaker further appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to step in and ensure EEDC fulfills its obligations. He also urged government representatives to collaborate with EEDC to address challenges such as inadequate energy allocation and infrastructure decay.

Hon. Nkole stressed that reliable electricity is essential for the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the overall development of the region. “Electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The lack of steady power supply is crippling businesses and stalling economic growth,” he warned.

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of residents and work towards a sustainable solution to the power crisis affecting Ohafia and its environs.

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