The All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum (AECPF) has chided the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for disconnecting power supply to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
National Coordinator of the Forum, Adeola Samuel-Ilori, described IBEDC’s action as illegal and a flagrant violation of the Consumer Protection Regulation 2023, which is enforced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Samuel-Ilori, citing Section 25 (1) of the regulation, said that distribution companies had been prohibited from disconnecting premises where life-support machines are in use, stating that UCH, as a healthcare institution with numerous patients on life support and undergoing surgeries, falls under this protective provision.
He also noted that Section 25 (2) of the same regulation mandates electricity distribution companies to negotiate debt repayment or pursue other legal means to recover debts from such premises rather than resorting to disconnection.
“What IBEDC did by disconnecting UCH is not only illegal but also endangers lives. The law clearly states that disconnection in such circumstances is prohibited, and IBEDC’s actions are a direct violation of this provision,” he stated.
He, however, called on the management of UCH to take immediate legal action against IBEDC for what he termed a “criminal” act, urging the hospital to consult their legal department and approach a court of competent jurisdiction.
Samuel-Ilori, who also appealed to Nigerians to support the cause and resist what he described as the “shenanigans” of distribution companies, recounted past instances where the forum had intervened successfully to address similar issues, ensuring that communities regained access to electricity after unlawful disconnections.
He added: “We are ready to assist UCH in any way necessary to ensure justice is served. Our group remains committed to protecting the interests of electricity consumers across the country.”
