Enugu State Government Seals EEDC Head Office Despite Owing N1 Billion in Electricity Debts

The Enugu State Government has sealed the Corporate Head Office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC). This action by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) comes amidst EEDC’s announcement of its plan to disconnect government offices, ministries, and agencies for owing the firm N1 billion in unpaid electricity bills.

The state government has not officially provided a reason for sealing EEDC’s offices. However, sources suggest it may be a response to the power disconnection notice issued to the state.

Mr. Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, expressed his bewilderment over the incident. “On arriving for work this morning, we were surprised to find our Corporate Head Office sealed by the ECTDA,” Ezeh told SaharaReporters. “This development is strange because there was no prior notice from the agency.”

Security personnel reported that a group of men arrived around 1:53 AM on Tuesday and locked the gates, claiming the action was directed by the State Governor. EEDC’s district offices in Abakpa, Awkunanaw, and Ogui were also sealed.

Ezeh speculated that the sealing might be linked to EEDC’s recent notice of disconnection, which informed indebted customers about the planned disconnection starting June 11, 2024. “Enugu State Government is one of our indebted customers, owing over N1 billion. It’s important to note that the majority of the state government’s facilities are metered, so this is not a case of estimated billing,” he added.

Ezeh highlighted that EEDC is owed approximately N180 billion in total and has planned to commence disconnection of all indebted customers.