Court stops Aba Power from Disconnecting Aba residents Amid Electricity Tariff Hike

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Abia State has issued an injunction restraining Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE) from disconnecting electricity supply to residents of Aba and its environs. The decision, handed down by Justice Enyinnaya Okezie at the High Court of Isiala Ngwa, comes at a time when residents are reeling from a steep hike in electricity tariffs, sparking widespread rejection and protests.

The suit, filed by Comrades Ike Opiwge, Ojukwu Imo, and Leonard Onyemesiri on behalf of the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum (AECF), challenges the power company’s disconnection tactics amid unresolved billing disputes. The court granted an ex-parte motion allowing the claimants to serve legal notices on Aba Power and its partners, Geometric Power Limited and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), through substituted means.

A Victory for Consumers

The ruling is seen as a significant victory for consumers who have long decried what they describe as exploitative billing practices and arbitrary disconnections. With the new tariff regime recently introduced, many residents argue that they are being charged exorbitantly without a corresponding improvement in power supply. Protests have erupted across Aba, with consumers demanding a review of the tariff structure and more transparency from service providers.

In the court order, the judge explicitly restrained Aba Power from disconnecting consumers pending the determination of the substantive suit. The court further mandated that service of summons and other legal processes be effected through the Chief Commercial Officer of the defendants at their office in Osisioma, Abia State.

Electricity Tariff Hike: The Flashpoint of Consumer Anger

The electricity tariff increase has been a major flashpoint, exacerbating tensions between consumers and service providers. Residents argue that while they are being charged more, the quality of service remains poor, with frequent outages and inconsistent and estimated billing. The protests in Aba have drawn national attention, with many calling on NERC to intervene and ensure that consumers are not subjected to unfair pricing.

The timing of the court order provides temporary relief to Aba residents, ensuring that no disconnections will take place as the legal battle unfolds. This has emboldened consumer rights groups, who see the ruling as a step toward greater accountability within the electricity sector.

What Happens Next?

As the case progresses, NATIONAL CONCORD will be watching closely to see how the court navigates the broader issues of electricity pricing, consumer rights, Metering and regulatory oversight. The ruling also puts pressure on Aba Power and Geometric Power to engage with consumers in a more transparent and fair manner.

For now, residents of Aba can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their power supply is protected—at least until the final verdict is delivered. Meanwhile, the protests continue, with calls for NERC to review the tariff hike and ensure that electricity providers adhere to fair billing practices.

This case sets a critical precedent in the ongoing struggle for electricity justice in Nigeria, highlighting the power of legal recourse in protecting consumer rights.

Meanwhile as at the time of filling this report Aba power are yet to make an official comment on the court order