Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has ordered the downgrading of 59 distribution feeders operated by MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). The decision follows persistent complaints that the feeders, many of which serve Band A customers, are failing to meet the minimum hours of supply prescribed under Nigeria’s Service‑Based Tariff (SBT) regime.
Under the SBT framework, introduced by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2020, electricity users are grouped into bands that guarantee varying levels of daily supply: Band A – at least 20 hours, Band B – 16 hours, Band C – 12 hours, Band D – 8 hours and Band E – 4 hours. Although MainPower continues to levy Band A tariffs on many consumers, the regulator found that actual delivery falls far short of the 20‑hour minimum.
EERC’s notice, signed by the commission, states that the downgrade will remain in effect until the affected feeders consistently achieve the required supply hours. The regulator’s action was prompted by a surge of consumer grievances, particularly from Band A customers who reported dramatically reduced supply times. In response, EERC conducted a technical and safety audit of MainPower’s major injection substations and complemented the inspection with continuous monitoring through the Electronic Design and Manufacturing International (EDMI) Multidrive Manager platform. Findings from both the field audit and the online monitoring corroborated the complaints.
Among the feeders re‑classified are 9th Mile Industrial (downgraded from Band A to Band C), Abakaliki Road (Band A to Band C), several Abakpa lines (Band A or B to Band C), Amorji (Band B to Band D), Nsukka Township (Band B to Band D), Presidential (Band A to Band C), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Band A to Band D), and Government House (Band A to Band E). Additional locations such as Emene, Topland, Ugwuoye, Chime Avenue, Achi, Amechi, Ibagwa, Ugwuogo, Ugwuaji, Okwe, NOWAS, Coca‑Cola, Coal Camp and Dhamija are also affected.
EERC indicated that MainPower may request a review of any downgraded feeder. An upgrade will be considered only if the feeder demonstrates compliance with the minimum supply hours for the preceding month, as verified by the regulator.
The move underscores the regulator’s willingness to enforce service standards and protect consumers who are paying premium tariffs without receiving the corresponding level of service. It also highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s distribution sector, where many utilities struggle to meet contractual supply targets. Observers note that sustained regulatory pressure could incentivise distributors to invest in infrastructure upgrades and improve operational efficiency.
As the situation evolves, EERC will continue to monitor MainPower’s performance and may take further action if compliance does not improve. Consumers and industry stakeholders are watching closely, as the outcome could set a precedent for how service‑based tariffs are enforced across other Nigerian states.
