EXCLUSIVE: EEDC Raises Alarm Over Revenue Loses as Electricity Workers Strike Shutdown Network

By Olisemeka Sony

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has raised an alarm over the potential devastating effects the ongoing industrial action by electricity workers would have on its operation and revenue base. The firm called for urgent resolution of the crisis to avoid plunging the sector into further chaos.

EEDC had earlier on Wednesday announced disruption in power distribution across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states due to the strike action embarked upon by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) power stations.

The electricity workers reportedly downed tools on Wednesday in protest of the controversial directive by the TCN Board that ‘all Principal Managers, in acting capacity going to Assistant General Managers (AGM) must appear for a promotion interview’ . This directive, they argue was “in contravention of the Conditions of Service and Career Progression Paths, unilaterally done without relevant stakeholders.”

When AnambraDaily sought his view on the impact of the latest crisis rocking the power sector, EEDC’s Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, expressed fears that the company would be worst hit if the dispute was not quickly resolved.

He cited drop in revenue as one major consequence of the industrial action as customers would be unwilling/reluctant to pay their electricity bills which is for energy they have already consumed during the month of July, 2022.

Ezeh explained EEDC’s precarious situation: “As a result, we will not be able to meet up with our obligation to the Market Operator. Due to this development, our installations will be prone to attack, as vandals might take advantage of the opportunity to attack electrical installations.

According to his estimation, if the strike was not called off immediately, the company’s loses would be running into billions of Naira.

He, however disclosed that consultations were ongoing among critical stakeholders in the power sector to address the issue and possibly restore supply.

He equally appealed to customers and neighbourhood associations to be vigilant and protect the electrical installations within their environment against elements who might take advantage of this outage to vandalise these installations.

“We therefore appeal for continued patience and understanding while this is resolved”, he said.