INDUSTRIAL ACTION CAUSES POWER OUTAGE IN THE SOUTH EAST, SAYS EEDC

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has issued a notice of the loss of power supply to some of its customers across the South East region.

In a stark announcement, the EEDC informed its valued customers about the disruption of power supply in certain areas of the South East region. This unfortunate circumstance is a direct consequence of the ongoing nationwide strike orchestrated by the organized labor sector.

Earlier today, a joint taskforce comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) made an impactful visit to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stations. In an unprecedented move, they expelled workers, including Distribution Substation Officers (DSO), effectively shutting down key stations such as New Haven, Abakaliki, Ugwuaji, Oji River, Agu Awka, Nibo, Ohiya, and Awada TCN stations.

According to Emeka Ezeh, “The ripple effect of this forceful shutdown has left Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra States, as well as Umuahia District in Abia State, in complete darkness. Currently, the Nru TCN Station in Nsukka, fed from Otukpo axis, stands as the sole station maintaining electricity supply within the entire EEDC network.”

Adding to the woes, customers in Imo State have been enduring a power outage since November 1, 2023. This predicament stems from a confrontation between the Labor Union and the Imo State government, resulting in the closure of the Egbu TCN Station, a critical source of electricity for the region.

Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, expressed deep regret for the inconveniences faced by their customers, emphasizing that the situation is beyond the company’s control. He urged understanding from customers and expressed optimism that a resolution to the ongoing crisis would soon allow for the restoration of power supply to their esteemed clientele.