Electricity consumers under Band B and Band C categories have voiced growing frustration over persistent power supply shortfalls, accusing distribution companies of failing to meet expected service levels despite billing structures tied to supply hours.
Customers served by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) say they are experiencing irregular and insufficient electricity, often receiving far fewer hours of power than stipulated under the band classification system.
Under the current framework, Band B customers are expected to receive a minimum of 16 hours of electricity daily, while Band C customers should get at least 12 hours. However, many residents and business owners in affected areas claim that actual supply falls significantly short of these benchmarks, disrupting daily activities and increasing reliance on alternative power sources.
Several consumers reported that outages have become more frequent and unpredictable, with some areas going for extended periods without electricity. Small business operators, in particular, say the situation has led to increased operational costs as they resort to fuel-powered generators to stay afloat.
Residents also raised concerns about billing practices, alleging that estimated and sometimes inflated charges do not reflect the poor level of service being delivered. Some customers argued that they are effectively paying for electricity they do not receive, calling for greater transparency and accountability from the distribution companies.
In response to the complaints, representatives of AEDC and KEDCO acknowledged the challenges affecting power supply, citing factors such as grid instability, transmission constraints, and technical faults. They also pointed to occasional load shedding as a necessary measure to manage limited available power across multiple regions.
Despite these explanations, consumers are demanding urgent improvements, including better communication during outages, adherence to supply commitments, and a review of tariffs where service levels fall below expectations. There have also been calls for regulatory authorities to step in and ensure compliance with established standards.
Energy experts note that while distribution companies face structural challenges within the broader power sector, consistent underperformance in supply obligations risks eroding public trust. They stress the need for coordinated efforts across generation, transmission, and distribution segments to deliver reliable electricity to consumers.
As dissatisfaction grows, many affected customers say they will continue to push for reforms that guarantee fair pricing and dependable power supply in line with the promises of the band system.