AEDC Tariff Hike Shocks River Park Estate Residents Amid Lack of Official Announcement

Residents of River Park Estate in Abuja have raised concerns over an unusual and sudden increase in electricity tariffs by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Many residents have complained that their electricity units no longer last as long as before, with some reporting that 14 units now finish within an hour. The increase, which appears to have targeted specific areas, has not been publicly announced by AEDC, leading to frustration and speculation among affected customers.

In various online community discussions and WhatsApp groups, affected customers expressed their frustration, stating that the drastic change in electricity consumption patterns has left them bewildered. One resident noted that they used to spend N20,000 per month on electricity but now find that the same amount barely lasts two weeks.

“I recharged N5,000, and it didn’t last 24 hours. I thought my air conditioner had issues, but after testing again, it’s the same. Before, N20,000 used to last me a month,” lamented one resident.

Another resident echoed the sentiment, stating, “I used to recharge N50,000, and it would last a full month. But the N40,000 I loaded two weeks ago finished just two days ago. I even checked my appliances to ensure nothing was consuming excess power, but I couldn’t find anything wrong.”

With no official communication from AEDC regarding the changes, residents have speculated that they may have been specifically targeted for tariff increments, while others suspect a possible technical glitch or overcharging error.

“I don’t know if we are being overcharged or if something was secretly placed on our bill! I added N3,000 to test, and it’s still blinking red,” another frustrated resident complained.

Some residents believe this could be a targeted increase meant for specific estates or high-end residences, while others suggest it may be a widespread issue yet to be acknowledged by AEDC.

Residents are now demanding an urgent response from AEDC, seeking clarity on whether there has been an official change in electricity tariffs for River Park Estate and why no public announcement was made beforehand. Many are also calling on consumer protection agencies and regulatory bodies to investigate the matter to ensure transparency and fairness in electricity billing.

Without official clarification, frustration continues to mount, and affected customers are considering collective action, including legal steps or protests, to demand fair billing and transparency from AEDC.

As the outcry grows, residents are hopeful that AEDC will address the concerns swiftly and provide a clear explanation for the drastic increase in electricity consumption rates in River Park Estate.