Residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, have strongly opposed the recent electricity tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the Aba Power Distribution Company.

The opposition includes a broad coalition of stakeholders such as business owners, the Joint Action Group (JAG), the Aba Landlord Protection and Development Association (ALPADA), the Aba Electricity Consumer Forum, civil society groups, and industrialists.

They have unanimously rejected the tariff hike, calling for a review of the decision.

During a protest against the increase, electricity consumers carried placards with inscriptions such as ?No to Unfair Tariff Hikes? and ?Prepaid Meters Now,? expressing their frustration over what they described as exploitative billing practices by Aba Power.

The protesters accused the company of failing to provide adequate electricity supply despite imposing higher charges.

A representative of ALPADA, speaking on behalf of the group, criticized the tariff hike, pointing out that power supply remains erratic, with megawatt distribution reportedly reduced while consumers continue to face inflated charges.

?How can you charge the same amount when the electricity supply has dropped significantly? This is exploitation, and we will not accept it,? the leader stated, drawing applause from the crowd.

Speakers at the protest also raised concerns about the delayed installation of prepaid meters.

They accused Aba Power of violating NERC regulations, which mandate the provision of prepaid meters within ten working days after payment.

Many residents shared accounts of paying for meters months ago without receiving them, resulting in estimated billing practices they described as oppressive and unsustainable.

?Some of us have paid for prepaid meters since last year, yet we are still being billed unfairly. How long will we continue to endure this?? asked a protester.

The speakers argued that these practices undermined trust and transparency in the electricity distribution system.

The protesters called on NERC and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene by reversing the tariff hike and compelling Aba Power to address the lapses in service delivery.

They emphasized that without prompt action, the new rates would impose severe economic hardship on households and businesses already struggling to cope with inflation and high living costs.

In addition to rejecting the tariff increase, the coalition demanded that Aba Power overhaul its billing structure to ensure fairness and accountability.

They also urged the government to hold distribution companies accountable for adhering to the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act.

The protest underscores growing frustrations among electricity consumers in Aba, who say they are often forced to endure poor service while being subjected to high charges.

The organizers have vowed to sustain the agitation until their demands are met, pledging to remain peaceful while pursuing legal and regulatory avenues to protect consumer rights. (The Nation)

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