I thought they said there is constant electricity in Abia State?

ifeoma • 18h ago

Electricity, once considered a basic necessity, is fast becoming a luxury. In parts of Abia, residents now say their monthly power bills rival or even exceed house rent, and the frustration is boiling over. From paying ₦6,000–₦14,000 in mid-2025 to receiving shocking bills of ₦50,000–₦70,000 today, many households feel trapped especially those on estimated billing without prepaid meters. Ironically, this surge comes despite worsening power supply, with some areas experiencing outages lasting days and barely 6 hours of electricity when restored. For civil servants and low-income earners, it’s a survival crisis. For small businesses, it’s a shutdown warning. While the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) insists the high bills reflect the true cost of electricity under the Band A tariff (about ₦209/kWh) following subsidy removal, residents argue that cost must match supply not promises. The Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) points to deeper issues national grid constraints, gas shortages affecting over 75% of generation, and infrastructure costs embedded in tariffs. Yet, even with minor compensations, many say relief is far from enough. Metering remains the missing piece. With prepaid meters costing up to ₦230,000, countless tenants are stuck in a cycle of estimated billing and financial strain.