EEDC Clarifies Misleading Social Media Reports Amid Power Outage Crisis in Imo State

…. Denies Responsibility for Prolonged Power Outages, Cites Labor Dispute as Cause

In a press statement released today, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) addressed a misleading publication circulating on social media, attributing the prolonged power outage in Imo State to the company’s negligence. The management categorically denied any responsibility for the outage, instead pointing to an industrial action and subsequent shutdown of their power source.

According to the statement, the EEDC’s source of supply at the Egbu Transmission Station was forcefully shut down by the Labour Union on November 1, 2023. This action was a result of an ongoing dispute between the union and the government of Imo State, leaving the utility company powerless and unable to provide electricity to its customers.

The EEDC emphasized that it operates solely as a distributor of electricity received from the Transmission Company (TCN) and relies on the entire electricity value chain for its performance. With the Egbu TCN shut down, the company faced a severe disruption in its operations, impacting both revenue and service delivery to customers in Imo State.

The press release highlighted the company’s proactive communication strategy, where they promptly notified customers and utilized various media channels to explain the situation and their position. The EEDC expressed understanding for the inconveniences caused to customers in Imo State and called for a resolution to the ongoing labor dispute to restore normalcy.

The management urged customers to remain vigilant during the outage, warning of potential attacks by vandals on electricity infrastructure. They reassured customers of their commitment to providing quality service and expressed empathy for the challenges faced by residents in Imo State.

The press statement concluded with a signature from the management and the date, November 14, 2023.