IKEDC Shutdown As Nigerians Lament Inability To Recharge Electricity Units Amid Tariffs Increment

Some prepaid metre consumers of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) mainly in Lagos and Ogun states have lamented their inability to recharge tokens, since Wednesday ahead of the planned July 1 tariffs increment.

The consumers complained that after purchasing tokens from the distribution companies, they have been unable to recharge as the credit code was rejected.

Some of the complainers, who took to their Twitter handles, to call out the distribution company, accused IKEDC of hoarding token generation ahead of the tariffs’ increment.

@cnzete, a consumer affected, lamented; “Ikeja Electric why are you hoarding token generation today June 30th is it so as to sell at the higher rate on July 1st.
“I made purchase since last night June 29th and I am yet to get a token. This is unfair.”

@oyesdirect said; “I’ve made payment of 20,700 in order to purchase token for my house since 27th and till now buy power kept telling me Ikeja electric server is down. Now the money I’m supposed to use in buying more are now being use for petrol.”

@TySammi; “Pls Ikeja electric they show us no net work.. To buy light I have paid 10,000 for the past 4 days no token generated.”

@FemiMoh; “Did Ikeja Electric block people from buying units before their July 1st tariff increase date?”

@allendavee;I just can’t believe Ikeja Electric is actually embarking on DOS attack towards its customers. A lot of people high ups deserve to be in prison, if I’m being honest.

However, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in a post on its verified Twitter handle reacted to the series of complaints by the residents.
FCCPC explained that the issue was being experienced due to challenges within its system, noting that it would be resolved as soon as possible.
“We are in touch with @IkejaElectric, which has confirmed that this issue is being experienced due to challenges within its system.
“However, the Commission is actively engaging with the DisCo to resolve these challenges as soon as possible. Please watch this space for updates,” the statement added.

The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company had denied reports claiming it would increase electricity tariffs for its customers by July 1, 2023.
This was contained in a statement published on its official website on Monday, June 26, 2023.
It had reported on Sunday, June 25, 2023 that electricity distribution companies would increase their tariffs from July 1, 2023.
According to the report, the DisCos had, in statements sent to respective consumers via text messages on Sunday night, informed their various customers across the country that the tariff increment would take effect July 1, 2023, stating that the review was due to the fluctuation of the naira in the exchange rate market.