Aba Power faces challenges as some customers resist paying outstanding electricity bills, straining the company’s finances despite major investments.The South East ECAN warns against misinformation discouraging payments in the Aba Ring-fenced Area (ARFA), covering nine Abia State LGAs.Zonal leaders Engr. Joe Ubani and Comrade Chris Okpara, speaking in Owerri, blamed a few individuals for misleading customers after NERC’s recent tariff review.
Justice Enyinnaya Okezie of the Abia State High Court in Isiala Ngwa granted an ex parte motion, led by Opigwe, preventing Aba Power from disconnecting debtor customers without prior notice.ECAN noted that while the order may soon be vacated, legal experts were surprised it was issued at all.
The group hinted at reporting the matter to the NJC, which has previously warned against the indiscriminate granting of ex parte orders and disciplined erring judges. Experts argue no clear emergency justified the court’s decision.NERC raised tariffs for Band A customers (those receiving at least 20 hours of electricity daily) on April 4 but postponed Aba Power’s increase until January 1, 2025.
Aba Power remains the only DisCo in Nigeria without a federal subsidy since electricity privatization in November 2013.Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu stated that the government is reviewing the Geometric Power model for potential replication nationwide.
