Residents across Jigawa are expressing frustration and disappointment following recent power disconnections by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), despite federal directives urging electricity providers to consider customers’ financial struggles.
Many affected residents feel KEDCO’s decision to disconnect them over unpaid bills lacks compassion, especially after enduring a prolonged blackout in October due to the national grid collapse and other issues.
Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, a local community leader, voiced concerns about KEDCO’s approach, noting that while he understands the company’s need to collect revenue, he questions why they are not more empathetic. “We understand that they need to collect revenue, but can’t they see we’re struggling?” he told PUNCH.
Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, a mother in Dutse’s G9 Quarters, said the disconnections are hindering her children’s education. “My kids can’t study without electricity. KEDCO’s actions are affecting their future,” she told PUNCH, emphasizing how difficult it is for families to meet basic educational needs without power.
Local business owners are also feeling the impact, including Mrs. Helen Okon, who runs a salon on Kiyawa Road. Okon highlighted that the loss of power has caused her significant financial hardship. “Without constant electricity, how will I run my business, pay my workers, and still hope to earn even a little profit to feed my family?” she lamented. Okon urged KEDCO to reconsider its policies and seek a more customer-friendly solution.
Many residents are calling for immediate intervention from the government and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to prevent further disconnections. “Authorities need to step in to address our concerns with the power sector workers in this country,” said Okon. The plea reflects a growing sentiment among residents who feel unsupported amid the ongoing challenges.
Attempts to reach the NERC office in Dutse for comment were unsuccessful, as officers stated they were not authorized to speak with the media.
However, KEDCO spokesperson Mr. Sani Bala Sani clarified the reasoning behind the disconnections, explaining they were due to unpaid September bills and unrelated to the blackout period in October. He reassured residents that “Customers will only pay for the energy consumed during the periods when power was available.”
Experts, including Comrade Shuaibu Musa Kafin-gana, an energy analyst, are advising KEDCO to explore more effective communication with customers and to possibly delay disconnections. “Legal action against KEDCO on this matter must be considered by the affected residents,” suggested Kafin-gana, noting that such steps might push KEDCO to consider more customer-centered policies.
