Enugu, July 25, 2025 – The Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has defended the recent electricity tariff review, citing the need to align pricing with service improvement and long-term power infrastructure development. The commission also projected that electricity demand in Enugu State would reach 700 megawatts by the year 2031.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement held in Enugu, the Head of Regulatory Strategy at EERC, Dr. Nnaemeka Udeh, explained that the reviewed tariff was designed to reflect actual service levels and ensure sustainability in the power supply chain. He stressed that without such adjustments, investments in power distribution and generation would remain insufficient to meet future demand.
Dr. Udeh noted that Enugu’s population and industrial growth require proactive planning and substantial infrastructure upgrades. “By 2031, Enugu is expected to need at least 700MW of electricity to meet residential, commercial, and industrial demands. The reviewed tariffs are a step toward attracting the private capital needed to scale up capacity,” he stated.
The EERC emphasized that the review was informed by extensive data analysis, consultation with power stakeholders, and adherence to the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework. It also assured consumers that improved service delivery, including reduced outages and faster fault resolutions, would accompany the new rates.
Meanwhile, residents and industrial players raised concerns over affordability, urging the commission to ensure that service improvements justify the cost. Responding, the EERC reiterated its commitment to protecting consumer interests through regulatory oversight, while balancing the realities of operational costs in the power sector.
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the commission is also exploring options for renewable integration and smart metering to boost energy efficiency across the state.