The long-standing frustration of electricity consumers in Aba has reached the national stage as Hon. Munachim Ikechi Alozie, Member Representing Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, presented a formal petition at the House of Representatives against Aba Power Electric Limited.
The petition, submitted on behalf of the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum, accuses the distribution company of extortion through excessive and arbitrary estimated billing often without functional prepaid meters. The document also challenges Aba Power’s recent 200% tariff increase and urges the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enforce regulatory alignment with other discos across Nigeria.
For many residents and small business owners in Aba, estimated billing has created both financial strain and distrust. Consumers have reported paying tens of thousands of naira for power they rarely receive consistently.
In response to mounting pressure, Aba Power has launched a large-scale prepaid meter rollout, aiming to install 300,000 free meters across its coverage area. As reported by National Concord, the company has already deployed tens of thousands, with a target of up to 20,000 installations monthly. The initiative seeks to eliminate estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity consumption.
While the meter rollout is a welcome development, stakeholders insist it must be backed by consistent regulatory oversight, fair billing practices, and swift dispute resolution to rebuild consumer confidence.
The petition signals a turning point in the dialogue around energy justice in Aba, shifting the focus from promises to performance. As the prepaid metering campaign advances, residents are calling not just for electricity but for accountability.
