CROSS RIVER: ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS PROTEST ESTIMATED BILLINGS, TASKING COMMUNITIES TO REPAIRS BROKEN DOWN TRANSFORMERS
By Ndifereke BASSEY
Electricity Consumers in the name of Concerned Customers of PHEDC in Cross River state have protested against over- estimated billing and the tasking of communities to repair broken down transformers.
THE BEAGLE NEWS checks revealed that the PHEDC distributed an estimate December bill ranging from N16, 000 to N150,00 per household depending on the band you belong.
Checks further revealed that in Calabar South almost every household, no matter how small, was given N16,000 whether you have had light or not or whether your have metre or not.
It was further learnt that PHEDC are tasking consumers to repair broken down transformers, threatening people that if they repair and take care of the electricity installations they will come and remove them and take to another community that is ready and willing to take possession.
In Calabar, hundreds of dissatisfied electricity consumers from Cross River took to the streets,
Protesting against what they described as ongoing estimated billing practices by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), the protesters maintained that they have suffered so much in the hands of PHEDC that they can no longer stomach it.
The protesters blocked the entrance to the PHEDC headquarters along Calabar Road, insisting on a meeting with the Managing Director.
The protest was led by Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh, Special Adviser on Power to the Governor of Cross River, the business community, some affected persons, smarket women and NGOs who have suffered from years of inadequate electricity supply.
During the protest, the group articulated a 12-point demand that reflects the daily difficulties faced by residents of Cross River. The demands include:
"Adequate Allocation: We seek proper allocation and usage of electricity throughout Cross River State.
Maintenance and Repairs: All broken distribution transformers in the state must be fixed or replaced.
Provision of Meters: Proper electricity meters must be installed in Cross River State to ensure just billing.
Critical Infrastructure Repair: The 15MVA transformer at the Amika injection substation needs immediate repair or replacement.
"Removal of Line Isolators: Line isolators that have been indiscriminately placed across Calabar must be taken out to improve power flow.
Replacement of Faulty Equipment: Broken 11kV panels and circuit breakers in the Amika and Flour-mill injection substations must be swiftly replaced.
Transformer Accessories: Worn-out accessories such as low-voltage cables and feeders must be replaced.
Transparency in Billing: All billing categories in the state should be publicly disclosed for accurate energy billing.
Also, "Improved Allocation from the National Grid: Cross River State deserves better allocation from the national grid.
Better Infrastructure Maintenance: The methods of maintaining power infrastructure in the state need to be reformed.
Reinstatement of Disengaged Workers: All Cross River residents unjustly laid off by PHEDC should be reinstated.
Representation on PHEDC Board: Clarification is needed regarding who represents Cross River State on the PHEDC board.
These demands reflect the shared frustrations of residents and point to systemic issues in the state's electricity distribution. They are aimed at enhancing service delivery rather than undermining any organization or agency.
Tribune Online reports that, after hours of discussions—including a two-hour meeting between PHEDC officials and government representatives—the PHEDC agreed to the 12-point demands put forth by the protesters.
This agreement represents a considerable move toward resolving the electricity issues that Cross River residents face.
The outcome of the peaceful demonstration was well-received by onlookers who admired the protesters' determination and solidarity.
