Residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State have accused the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP) of imposing multiple and unlawful bills on consumers.
In a petition submitted to EKEDP, the community expressed concerns over exorbitant charges and additional flat-rate bills imposed on households.
According to the petition, residents have been receiving two distinct bills every month. The first, referred to as the “normal bill,” ranges from N40,000 to N150,000 per compound, even though many of the compounds are occupied by tenants who use minimal electricity, limited to light bulbs and fans. In addition to these charges, EKEDP has imposed a separate bill of N7,808 per consumer, further increasing the financial burden on residents.
The petition alleges that the additional billing is an attempt to recover penalties imposed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on EKEDP for improper billing practices and overcharging customers with prepaid meters.
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“Community findings reveal that this practice has no legal backing from NERC and is, therefore, unwarranted and unlawful,” the petition read in part.
Residents from affected streets, including Etugbo, Layinka, Boundary Road, Odofin, Amechi, Arumoh, Nosamu, and Orodu Streets, have also complained about erratic power supply, which has adversely affected small businesses, sleeping patterns, and neighborhood security. Despite being classified under Bands B and C for electricity supply, the residents claim they are being extorted through excessive billing.
The community has demanded an immediate cessation of the multiple billing practices, withdrawal of the additional flat-rate charges, and implementing a fair billing system based on actual electricity consumption.
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“We reject these unjustified bills and demand the provision of free prepaid meters for all consumers,” said community leader, Oshunfunrewa. He also called for a town hall meeting between EKEDP management and the residents to address their grievances transparently.
Despite efforts to reach EKEDP for a response, the company’s spokesperson for the Apapa District, Chioma Rose, did not respond to calls or text messages when filing this report.
