Residents of Ijedodo in the Ijegun area of Lagos State have expressed immense joy and relief following the reversal of their electricity tariff from Band A to Band B. The decision, which reduces the number of daily electricity supply hours, has significantly lowered their monthly electricity costs, sparking widespread celebration across the community.
For months, residents had been struggling with high electricity bills due to their Band A classification, which guaranteed them a minimum of 20 hours of power daily but at a much higher tariff. Many households and businesses found it difficult to cope with the excessive costs, leading to growing complaints and calls for a review of the tariff system.
ABNews visited the community and spoke with several residents who shared their experiences. Mr. Lawal, a shop owner, expressed his excitement over the change, revealing that he had been spending ₦2,000 daily on prepaid electricity, amounting to over ₦60,000 monthly.
“The light was too much for us, and we were spending too much money. Every day, I had to buy ₦2,000 worth of electricity units just to keep up. But now, with this new Band B classification, I will be spending far less. I can finally save some money for other things,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs. Adebisi, a tailor in the community, also shared her relief, explaining that many households without prepaid meters were forced to pay exorbitant estimated bills.
“My neighbor, who is on an estimated bill, was paying close to ₦90,000 every month, and it was a serious struggle for her family. Imagine working so hard just to pay for light! Now that we are on Band B, at least our bills will be reduced, and we can use that money for food and other important expenses,” she lamented.
The community’s jubilation stems from the fact that while they appreciate a stable power supply, the high tariff made it unsustainable. Many residents argued that despite having electricity for long hours under Band A, they found it difficult to enjoy it due to the financial burden.
Mr. Kingsley, a landlord and an engineer, also shared his perspective, stating that the new Band B classification is a welcome development.
“This is a better arrangement because we are still getting enough light, but at a more reasonable cost. Under Band A, we had almost 24-hour power, but the bills were too high. Now, we still have steady electricity, and the cost is more effective for households and businesses,” he said.
Some business owners, including barbers and food vendors, also expressed hope that the tariff adjustment would help them manage their running costs more effectively.
“Before, I was spending too much on electricity, and it was affecting my profits. Now, with a lower tariff, I can run my business without fear of being overbilled,” said Mr. Chinedu, who owns a small barbing salon in the area.
The shift from Band A to Band B means that residents will now receive fewer hours of electricity, likely ranging between 12 to 16 hours daily, instead of the 20 to 24 hours they previously had. While some people may view this as a reduction in service, the overwhelming sentiment in the community is that it is a welcome relief.
Many residents praised the efforts of community leaders and local representatives who had been advocating for the tariff adjustment. They also urged the electricity distribution company to ensure fairness in billing and meter allocations to prevent future disputes.
As the news spreads across Ijedodo, the joy and excitement among residents continue to grow, with many hopeful that the new arrangement will bring them financial stability and ease the economic strain on their households.
