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Hello. In 2014, our transformer was overloaded and electricity supply was too poor and current too, our bulbs cant even give enough light to see at night. We requested for a relief transformer from the EEDC. but they did not respond.
After waiting for almost a year to no avail, for security reasons, we decided to do something. We got an EEDC contractor who advised us. We built a new substation ( bought new transformer, panel, concrete poles, cable, everything and extended the high tension into our area and replaced the wooden poles with concrete poles and thicker wires). We also involved EEDC in the installation.
But they refused to energize the transformer, until signed an undertaking that we will start paying bills immediately after they energize. They did not want us to ask for any form of compensation. We obliged them having no choice at the moment. They started bringing outrageous bills, in addition to they bills that have been accumulating during the days our supply was very bad.
Shortly, the transformer broke down due to lack of maintenance. We again wrote to the EEDC, but they did not come to fix it. We stayed in darkness for over a year, the bills were still coming. We complained to them, but nothing was done. So, we decide to fix the transformer ourselves. We called a contractor who did the job and we paid him. Again the EEDC refused to re energize, insisting we withdraw all letters written. We complied.
The transformer broke down twice over time, for the same reason. EEDC did not care to come, we fixed it twice again. It broke down the third time, several technicians advised us to seek for a replacement. We informed the EEDC, they tested the transformer and subsequently abandoned us. We waited for over 6 months sending people to talk with EEDC over matter, but nothing was done. Crime rate in our area became unbearable at night. Hoodlums took advantage of the certain darkness.
Again, we gathered together to contribute money, sold the old transformer for 150k and bought a new transformer for 2.25m from a reputable company, it was installed by EEDC staffs in May 2018. We request EEDC to energize the transformer, but they requested we write an undertaking stating that the transformer was donated to us,and that we will start paying bills immediately they energize. Out of duress, we complied. The letter was mailed to their headquarters by the staff.
After some days we went to EEDC office for a reply, we were told that the transformer will not be energized until we give them the old damaged transformer and pay at least 75% of N7.5m which they claim our area is owing. We told them that the old transformer was traded in to enable us acquire a new one; and that we are not under community billing, everyone is responsible for his bill individually and a lot of people are not owing. But they insisted that their conditions must be met before we are energized. Its been 4 months now and the EEDC has refused to supply our area despite many entreaties.
Recently we were told about NERC and this good website. Please how tenable are the conditions of the EEDC, do we stand a chance of getting justice and regaining our electricity supply. Pls advice us. We will remain grateful. Thanks and God bless
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