Enugu Regulator Halts MainPower’s Unmetered Accounts

The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has issued a severe caution to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, following alarming reports of the utility company’s indiscriminate creation of new customer accounts without providing corresponding electricity meters. The Commission has labeled this practice a direct and unacceptable breach of its regulatory guidelines.

In an official statement, the EERC confirmed it has received multiple, serious complaints detailing the utility company’s actions. Customers allege that MainPower has been generating new accounts under the names of existing users, but critically failing to supply dedicated meters for these new connections.

This practice effectively subjects customers to additional estimated bills, perpetuating the controversial and often inaccurate system of estimated billing across multiple accounts.

The EERC cited specific legal grounds for its warning, referencing Section 35(1)(f) of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023. It also pointed to key provisions within its own Customer Service Standard and Protection Regulations (CSSPR) 2024.

These regulations strictly reaffirm that every new electrical connection must be finalized with the proper installation of a meter and all necessary accessories, as mandated by the Metering Code.

The regulatory framework dictates a mandatory, two-step procedure: “The process of connection shall comprise the connection of residences or premises to public supply and the installation of a meter and associated accessories.”

Furthermore, the regulation makes it abundantly clear that the financial and logistical burden for supplying these materials and meters rests entirely with the service provider, MainPower.

The Commission has therefore formally communicated a strict directive to MainPower, commanding the company to immediately cease the creation of any new accounts under existing customer names unless a meter is simultaneously provided.

In an effort to empower the consumers, the EERC urged all affected customers to report any such regulatory infractions directly to the commission. Infractions can be reported via email at [email protected] or by phone on 09122642755 to initiate enforcement action.

Beyond addressing the immediate violations, the EERC encouraged unmetered customers and new subscribers to explore alternative legal avenues for metering.

The regulator specifically promoted the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme, which legally allows customers to fund their meters upfront, with the assurance of guaranteed refunds under commission-approved terms.

The statement concluded with an unambiguous legal threat, emphasizing that any account established without the required metering device is considered to be in “violation of regulatory provisions.” This definitive stance signals the EERC’s intent to rigorously enforce metering compliance across the state.