Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have protested against excessive electricity bills from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), saying monthly rates now exceed the national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
The demonstrators, many holding placards, said most houses receive bills ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦130,000—even those with prepaid meters. They called the accusations “inhumane and outrageous” and slammed EEDC authorities’ recent disconnection of power to the entire town.
Some of the placards read: “N80,000 monthly electricity bill is unaffordable.” “Over 80% of those disconnected have prepaid meters.” “Stop the overbilling now!” “There is a monthly cap from NERC.”
Chief Sunday Obinze, Chairman of the Iyiowa Odekpe Landlords and Tenants Association, stated that citizens are being exploited and terrorised. He questioned how federal personnel could afford such expenses, saying that rates previously ranged between 18,000 and 28,000 before the current jump.
Obinze cited information from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which places the billing cap for their area at around ₦31,000—an amount residents say they are willing to pay.
Dr. Okolie Chukwunonso, secretary of the association, added that attempts to communicate with EEDC were ignored, and the company’s response was to turn off power throughout the community.
“It’s unjustifiable to disconnect an entire area where over 80% use prepaid meters,” he said.
The community is requesting fair billing, cancellation of exaggerated arrears, the provision of prepaid meters to those who do not have one, and the quick restoration of energy, as well as swift government and regulatory assistance.
