In a bold move that brings some relief to high-tier electricity consumers, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has announced a significant reduction in electricity tariffs for Band A customers under MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited. Starting August 1, 2025, the new rate will drop from ₦209 per kilowatt-hour to ₦160/kWh.

MainPower, the successor to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, now operates under the state’s authority following Enugu's regulatory independence from the national electricity framework. This shift came after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved the state’s full control over its electricity market.

The new pricing regime was laid out in a formal directive—Order No. EERC/2025/003, issued on Sunday. According to the Commission, the revised tariff reflects actual costs while accounting for the generation subsidy still provided by the Federal Government for the benefit of consumers.

“This reduction is based on our thorough review using the Tariff Methodology Regulations 2024 and the Distribution Tariff Model,” said Chijioke Okonkwo, EERC Chairman. “Our calculations show that the real average cost of supply is ₦94, largely thanks to the federal subsidy, which currently covers about ₦67 out of the true ₦112 cost of generation.”

Okonkwo explained that Band A customers will now pay ₦160/kWh—not because it fully reflects market prices, but to cushion the shock of adjustment while still keeping it within a fair range. “The idea is to keep the rate manageable for now. Should the subsidy be removed later, the savings generated can help stabilize future prices,” he said.

The Commission emphasized that the new rates are strictly cost-reflective and will not be supplemented by the state government, even as tariffs for Bands B through E remain unchanged for the time being.

Still, Okonkwo warned that the ₦160 rate might not be sustainable in the long term if federal subsidies are scrapped. “Once the subsidy goes, the rates will naturally have to go up,” he said. “But until then, Band A customers in Enugu can enjoy this temporary relief.”

To ensure consumers get value for what they pay, EERC has also rolled out a strict monitoring framework. MainPower is required to update its website daily with a rolling 7-day average of power supply for each Band A feeder. If power supply on any feeder falls short for two days in a row, MainPower must notify the Commission within 24 hours. And if the shortfall lasts for a full week, the affected feeder will be automatically downgraded to reflect the actual supply level.

It's worth noting that NERC had earlier clarified that federal subsidies for Band A customers were removed nationwide as of April 1, 2024. That makes Enugu’s current move not just proactive but also timely in managing local expectations.

For residents and businesses in Enugu State on Band A, this new tariff could mean more predictable power—and, ideally, better value for their naira.