SECURITY AGENCIES CHARGED TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FRAUDULENT BILLING OF CUSTOMERS BY THE EEDC

The Enugu State House of Assembly has charged security agencies to commence investigation against management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC over alleged fraudulent billing in the area. The Chairman, Special Committee Investigating EEDC’S Customers Complaints,  Chief Don Uzogbado stated this during a public hearing organised for Enugu West senatorial districtat the House of Assembly Complex over alleged extortion, and installation of fraudulent smart metres.

It will be recalled that few weeks ago, some concerned residents of Enugu carried out peaceful protest against alleged excesses  of the company.

The House also condemned the reported intimidation by the EEDC on some rural communities. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the committee who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, Chief Don Uzogbado said the House would resist attempt to strangulate the state economy through excessive billing.

Chief Uzogbado expressed worry over evidences and presentations from participants noting that the conduct of EEDC was an attack on the state economy. He reassured the people that the House would resist any attempt by the company to subject the state to economic slavery.

Participants drawn from Udi,Ezeagu, Oji River, Aniri and Awgu Local Government Areas complained that EEDC gave them bulk bills ranging from two million to eighty three million naira monthly. They demanded that the company  produce evidence of their billing, claiming that all skilled men and women had abandoned their trades due to inability to pay electricity bill.

Some civil society and corporate organizations blamed the failure of regulatory bodies to call EEDC to order and accused them of complexity in the whole process. However, the committee threatened to issue a bench warrant on any organisation that failed to appear before it.

This followed a letter of excuse it received from EEDC.

OLIVER OSSAI