Nationwide Outcry as Enugu DisCo’s Tariff Cut Triggers Demands for Lower Electricity Bills Across Nigeria
July 24, 2025 | By SpringnewsNG Media Limited
The recent electricity tariff reduction by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (Enugu DisCo) has sparked a nationwide backlash, as electricity consumers in other states demand similar relief—placing electricity distribution companies (DisCos) under immense pressure.
According to the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), the umbrella body for all 11 DisCos in the country, the unilateral decision by Enugu DisCo to lower tariffs has led to growing resistance to bill payments in several other states.
Speaking on the issue, ANED Executive Director, Sunday Oduntan, warned that the fallout from the Enugu tariff reduction is already destabilizing the electricity market.
“Customers in other states don’t want to pay bills,” Oduntan said. “They are pointing to Enugu and saying, ‘If their tariffs can come down, why should ours remain the same?’ This is creating a growing culture of non-payment.”
Rising Pressure on DisCos Across Nigeria
Since the announcement of the reduced tariff in Enugu, multiple DisCos have reported increased agitation from customers, some of whom are now refusing to pay their electricity bills while demanding similar reductions in their regions. State governments and consumer rights groups are also beginning to question tariff inconsistencies across the national electricity supply chain.
Oduntan emphasized that the Enugu model is not applicable nationwide, citing complexities in Nigeria’s electricity market regulation, which includes the role of federal agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Inside the Enugu Tariff Reduction Deal
The Enugu tariff adjustment resulted from a rigorous audit process initiated by MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, the state’s power operator, and backed by the Enugu State Government.
Originally, MainPower had proposed a tariff of ₦209 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, NERC demanded extensive data to justify the cost. After verifying details including staff strength, transformer count, and operational overheads, the tariff was revised downward to ₦125/kWh, eventually settling at ₦160/kWh as a compromise.
ANED Warns of Market Instability
Oduntan urged for caution, warning that pushing for nationwide tariff cuts without due process could cripple an already fragile sector.
“We must recognize that tariffs are based on local operating conditions, and not all DisCos can match Enugu’s circumstances,” he noted.
Conclusion
The Enugu DisCo tariff slash, while welcomed locally, has opened a Pandora’s box for Nigeria’s power sector. With customers nationwide demanding fair pricing and accountability, stakeholders must now find a delicate balance between cost recovery and consumer protection.
Stay tuned with SpringnewsNG Media Limited for ongoing coverage of Nigeria’s power sector and consumer rights advocacy.
