Blackout Hits Millennium City As Kaduna Electric Disconnects Power Over Metering Dispute

Blackout Hits Millennium City As Kaduna Electric Disconnects Power Over Metering Dispute

 
















---Residents Urge Governor Uba Sani, NERC To Intervene Amid Pending Court Case---














































By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna Residents of Millennium City in Kaduna State are demanding urgent government intervention after Kaduna Electric plunged the entire estate into darkness on Saturday over a disagreement on meter replacement.

The blackout, according to the Ministerial Plot Housing Estate Residents Association, MPHERA, has left over 500 residents without power, disrupted hospital services and heightened security fears in the community.

In a statement released to journalists in Kaduna, MPHERA Chairman, Shafik Muazu Shira, said the residents were not against paying for electricity or installing proper meters.  “We are not opposed to electricity supply or to proper metering. Our concern is with the manner Kaduna Electric intends to carry out a blanket replacement of meters already in use,” Shira said.

He disclosed that an Electricity Committee had been set up to ensure transparency in power distribution within Millennium City while balancing the interests of both consumers and the distribution company. Shira appealed to Kaduna Electric to allow the matter to be resolved in court.  
“We urge Kaduna Electric to let the judicial process run its full course and to refrain from steps that could further escalate the dispute while it is still before the court,” he said.
The association described the decision to disconnect the whole estate because of objections to the metering exercise as “excessive and punitive,” and called for immediate regulatory action.
Shira also raised concerns over plans by the company to mount meters on electricity poles. “Any installation of meters must strictly comply with the regulations and technical standards laid down by NERC and NEMSA. Cutting corners will only create more problems,” he warned.
He noted that NEMSA had earlier carried out an independent technical audit of meters in the affected estates and flagged some for replacement. “We call on Kaduna Electric to respect NEMSA’s findings and to consult with residents before proceeding with any approved meter replacement,” Shira added.

The MPHERA Chairman recalled that for nearly a decade, residents and community structures in Millennium City had supported Kaduna Electric by providing infrastructure that aided power distribution. “Instead of disconnection, we expect Kaduna Electric to come back to the table for dialogue and reach a resolution that works for both sides,” he said.

Residents said the prolonged outage is already threatening security, especially at night.  “The absence of electricity is exposing homes and businesses to criminal elements. This situation cannot continue,” a resident stated.

They also pointed out that hospitals within the estate are among those affected, with patients bearing the brunt of the power cut. “More than 500 people are suffering. Hospitals are struggling to function. We need light restored urgently,” the statement added.
The community has appealed to Governor Uba Sani to step in and compel Kaduna Electric to reconnect power while the court case and regulatory reviews are ongoing.

They also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, to investigate the disconnection.  “NERC and NEMSA must act fast to protect consumer rights and ensure due process is followed,” residents said.

MPHERA reiterated its readiness to engage both Kaduna Electric and the Kaduna State Government in constructive talks. “Our demand is simple: a peaceful, lawful and mutually acceptable solution to this dispute,” Shira said.

The residents called on all parties to show restraint and respect the judicial process. “We urge everyone involved to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of residents, businesses and critical facilities in Millennium City,” the statement concluded.