UNILAG STRUGGLES WITH N472 MILLION ELECTRICITY BILL AS EKEDC CUTS POWER POWER SUPPLY.(PHOTO).

 

UNILAG Struggles with N472 Million Electricity Bill as EKEDC Cuts Power Supply

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has disconnected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from the national grid due to unpaid electricity bills, according to a statement released by the university's management on Wednesday. The institution has been struggling with rising electricity costs, which have been exacerbated by EKEDC’s recent decision to upgrade the university's tariff category from “Band B” to “Band A.” This change has led to a significant increase in monthly electricity bills, with the cost nearly doubling from the previous N150 million to N180 million range to almost N300 million in June, under the new tariff.

The university management expressed its regret over the ongoing blackout that has affected the campus since Tuesday. Despite ongoing negotiations with EKEDC and a recent payment of N180 million made on August 20, the university was unexpectedly disconnected from the power supply on August 27. "Just two weeks after our meeting, we were hit with a staggering bill of nearly half a billion naira (N472 million) for July, further increasing our debt burden," the statement read. The management noted that the disconnection occurred without any prior notice from EKEDC, leaving the university community in a difficult situation.

To manage the power crisis, the university has announced that electricity supply across the campus will be rationed until further notice. The management assured the university community that efforts are being made to resolve the issue with EKEDC and restore normalcy. In the meantime, the institution has called for calm and understanding from all students and staff as they work to address the electricity challenge and negotiate better terms with the electricity provider.