The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has revealed that merely 704,801 clients have been metered by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), out of a comprehensive customer spectrum of 1,369,440 in the South-East region.
Chinedu Anyigor, the Senior Manager of the Consumer Affairs Division at NERC, conveyed this insight during a vibrant three-day town hall and complaint resolution forum for EEDC customers in Awka, held on Thursday.
The forum was organized with the intent to elevate awareness surrounding consumer rights and responsibilities, as well as to address complaints and gather feedback, as mandated by NERC.
During the assembly, Anyigor pinpointed metering as a predominant grievance and obstacle within the electricity sector, highlighting how both consumers and distribution firms grapple with metering dilemmas. Some customers exploit electricity without fulfilling payment obligations, resulting in significant revenue deficits for the distribution companies.
He remarked, “The Federal Government has greenlighted the national mass metering initiative to foster equilibrium. As of June 2025, in the South-East region serviced by EEDC, only 704,801 customers from a total of 1,369,440 have been equipped with meters, while a staggering 691,639 remain unmetered.
“We advocate for residents who are dissatisfied with estimated billing to participate in the metering initiative. Numerous consumers are also oblivious to their rights and obligations. Customers are entitled to safe and dependable electricity services, in addition to functional electricity meters.”
In her contribution, Hajia Aisha Mahmud, the Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at NERC, underscored the criticality of directly engaging with electricity consumers to understand the challenges they face vis-à-vis the distribution company.
Mahmud, who was represented by Dr. Zubair Babatunde, the Head of Consumer Protection at NERC, urged electricity consumers to report any requisitions made by EEDC officials for the procurement of transformers, cables, or poles.
She highlighted that such items constitute investments made by the electricity distribution companies and should not fall under the purview of consumer obligations.
She asserted that NERC acts as an intermediary between customers and electricity distribution companies, including EEDC.
She stated, “We have been traversing various states to interact with both customers and distribution companies, ensuring they are cognizant of their rights and duties as outlined by existing laws.
“We are eager to hear from you regarding all matters pertaining to electricity consumption in Anambra, as well as any challenges you face with EEDC. We will guarantee that solutions are provided prior to our departure from Anambra.
“It is not the consumers’ obligation to finance the repair or replacement of defective electrical fixtures such as cables, poles, and transformers. Consumers should immediately report to the commission whenever such requests are made for urgent action.”
The Commissioner also encouraged EEDC to maintain regular engagement with their customers and keep them informed about news and progress in the electricity sector.
