Delta residents protest over poor electricity and high bills
Concerned residents and business owners in Effurun and other parts of Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, have staged a peaceful protest against poor electricity supply. The protesters accused BEDC Electricity Plc of failing to provide the minimum hours of power stipulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), despite high tariffs and metering under the Band A category. They submitted a petition to NERC, highlighting issues of overbilling, unreliable meters, and the negative impact on local businesses. Austin Wareyai and Moses Okpobeku were among those who voiced their concerns, calling for urgent intervention from authorities.
What happened
- Protesters petitioned NERC to investigate the Band A metering system implemented by BEDC Electricity Plc in Uvwie.
- Residents and business owners complained of exorbitant electricity bills and inadequate power supply, often less than 10 hours daily.
- The petition, dated February 6, 2026, accused BEDC of persistent overbilling, poor supply, and violations of regulatory standards.
- Austin Wareyai and Moses Okpobeku said the situation was harming businesses, especially in the commercial Refinery Stream One area.
- The petitioners urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and NERC to intervene and prevent business collapse in the area.
