TEDC Shuns Parley With Police

Transpower Electricity Distribution Company (TEDC), the Distribution Company (DISCO) responsible for electricity distribution in Imo State, was notably absent from a meeting convened by the Imo State Police Command in Owerri, the state capital, on Friday.

This meeting was prompted by a petition submitted by the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), which alleged multiple infractions committed by the company.

APPA contended that TEDC is operating in the state in violation of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Law of 2024, which mandates that no entity may provide electricity services in the state without a valid license. Furthermore, APPA alleged that TEDC engages in bulk billing, a practice that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has abolished, as well as billing unmetered customers in clear violation of the law.

According to the APPA president, Chief Princewill Okorie, it is essential for the transformer supplying electricity to unmetered customers to be equipped with a meter to accurately determine the monthly tariffs applicable to customers in the area.

Okorie asserted that the DISCO is operating in complete disregard of these regulations.

During the meeting, Bede Opara, the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC), confirmed that TEDC is operating in the state without a valid license. It was also reported that the company has been fined over N700 million for market power violations, a penalty that remains unpaid.

At this point, Commissioner of Police CP Audu Garba Bosso, represented at the meeting by Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP Elochukwu from the Legal Unit of the command, announced that a new invitation would be extended to the company, with the expectation that it would comply with this request.

Meanwhile, the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA) has scheduled a meeting for Monday, July 6, in Owerri.

Chief Okorie informed our correspondent that this meeting will provide electricity consumers in the state with an opportunity to express their concerns and experiences, which will then be communicated to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

The meeting holds at the Christ The Good Shepherd Centre, located on Mbaise Road Owerri.