Uvwie Residents, Businesses Petition NERC Over Power Supply and ‘Band A’ Billing

Residents and business operators in Effurun and other parts of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have petitioned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), calling for an investigation into the Band A electricity metering system implemented by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in the area.

The petitioners expressed concern over what they described as irregular power supply and excessive electricity charges, warning that the situation could force many businesses to shut down if not urgently addressed.

According to the residents, although many consumers in the area have been placed under the Band A category—which is expected to guarantee at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily—the distribution company has allegedly failed to meet the required standard.

Business owners, particularly those operating along the Refinery Stream One axis near NigerCat and surrounding streets in Ekpan, said the level of power supply does not match the high electricity bills they receive.

Speaking on behalf of hotel operators, the Managing Director of Lascurt Hotel, Austin Wareyai, said the combination of poor electricity supply and high billing is severely affecting businesses in the commercial hub. He described the situation as damaging to enterprises in the area, which hosts major facilities including the Warri Refinery and several industrial establishments.

Wareyai urged authorities, including the presidency, the Minister of Power, and NERC, to investigate the complaints and ensure that electricity providers comply with regulatory standards.

He added that the electricity bills issued to his hotel on the Refinery 1–33KVA feeder in Effurun do not reflect the actual power supply received.

Another hotel operator, Moses Okpobeku, also lamented the rising cost of running businesses despite the promise of improved power under the Band A system.

The petitioners are now calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to urgently intervene to protect businesses and residents in the area.