Afrigather The College of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has been thrown into darkness following the disconnection of its energy provide by the Eko Electrical energy Distribution Firm (EKEDC) as a result of a staggering debt exceeding N300 million.
In an announcement issued by the college’s administration on Wednesday, the establishment revealed that it has been battling with the steep rise in electrical energy prices, a state of affairs exacerbated by a tariff hike imposed by EKEDC.
The college’s tariff class was lately upgraded from “Band B” to “Band A,” leading to a major improve in month-to-month electrical energy payments.
Earlier than this adjustment, UNILAG’s electrical energy bills ranged between N150 million and N180 million per 30 days. Nonetheless, the establishment’s June invoice beneath the brand new “Band A” classification practically doubled, hovering to virtually N300 million—a pointy rise that has severely strained the college’s funds.
The administration expressed its frustration over the blackout that has persevered since Tuesday, regardless of ongoing discussions with EKEDC.
UNILAG stated it had made a fee of N180 million on August 20, hoping to alleviate the debt burden. Nonetheless, on August 27, EKEDC disconnected the campus with none prior warning.
“Simply two weeks after our final assembly, we have been hit with a staggering invoice of practically half a billion naira (N472 million) for July, which solely compounded our monetary difficulties.
“Regardless of honouring our dedication by paying N180 million on August 20, EKEDC nonetheless disconnected our energy on August 27, leaving us at the hours of darkness with out discover,” the assertion learn.
The college assured its group that efforts are being made to resolve the matter with the electrical energy supplier. Within the meantime, energy provide throughout the campus might be rationed till a decision is reached.
UNILAG known as for persistence and understanding because it continues to have interaction EKEDC in a bid to revive full energy to the establishment.
In April, the Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC) accredited a rise in electrical energy tariff for patrons beneath the Band A classification.
Musliu Oseni, vice-chairman of NERC, stated clients beneath the classification, who obtain 20 hours of electrical energy provide day by day, can pay N225 per kilowatt (kW) from N66 per kW ranging from April 3.
