Poor Electricity Supply Grounding Businesses In Enugu

Business owners, especially those dependent on electricity, Wednesday, told NEWSNGR that the poor power supply across Enugu State is adversely affecting their businesses.

They called on MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), which is in charge of electricity distribution in the state, to address the poor output to save their businesses.

Osita Ogbodo is a welder at New Market, Enugu. He said, “The cost of gas to power my big generator is too much. I only work when there is electricity supply. Recently, we started having irregular power supply. If I use my generator, I make no profit. Customers don’t agree to pay. Let this distribution rectify the problem.”

A popular pub operator, Osita Omeke, shares the same view. He said, “The power supply has been a problem. When it is supplied, it can hardly power my fridges. I sell perishables. I have lost much due to this inefficiency. The cost of running businesses is too high, yet unconsumed electricity bills continue to be imposed on us.”

Sheddy Ozomba resides at Trans-Ekuku in Enugu. He said the distribution company is insensitive to the plight of the customers.

“A few weeks ago, they distributed bills, and even disconnected some lines despite the poor services. If customers pay them from what they generate from their electricity-dependent businesses, how feasible is it? I insist that prepaid metres be readily available to avoid this cheating.”

Meanwhile, MEDL has attributed the reduction in electricity supply across Enugu State to a drop in power generation. According to the company, the decline in generation had resulted in low system frequency, prompting the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to introduce load shedding.

The clarification was made by the Head of Communications at MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in a statement in Enugu. Eze said the development had affected the amount of electricity allocated to the distribution company, resulting in the inability of MEDL to meet its daily service-level commitments to customers.

The company said it would continue distributing its available energy allocation fairly across its network. It also expressed hope that normal electricity supply would return soon.

“MEDL wishes to assure its customers that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to distribute the available energy allocation fairly across its network,” Ezeh said.

The company did not provide a specific timeline for the restoration of normal supply. However, it said it remained hopeful that the situation would improve soon.

“MEDL sincerely regrets the inconvenience this situation may cause its esteemed customers and appreciates their patience, understanding, and continued cooperation,” Ezeh added, and urged customers to remain patient as the electricity supply constraints continue.