Residents of Jigawa State have expressed outrage over what they describe as excessive electricity bills issued by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), despite enduring months of poor power supply and frequent outages.
KEDCO, which supplies electricity to Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and parts of Bauchi State, reportedly began issuing estimated electricity bills for April, triggering widespread discontent, especially in areas like Azare and Dutse, the state capital.
Community leaders and affected residents spoke to The PUNCH on Monday, voicing their frustration and calling on government intervention.
“This is the second time this year KEDCO has overbilled us despite extremely poor electricity supply,” said Ali Ahmadu of Takur Quarters. “We’ve had unstable power for the past three to four months, yet our bills keep rising.”
Dayyabu Idris of Limawa Quarters added, “We’ve complained several times, even to the headquarters in Dutse, but they tell us there’s nothing they can do. It’s becoming unbearable.”
Other residents echoed similar experiences. Suleiman Gwaram of G9 Quarters recounted how last year’s grid collapse didn’t stop KEDCO from issuing hefty bills, a pattern he says is repeating now.
Aisha Umar of Godiya Miyatti Quarters expressed disbelief at her rising bill. “We paid N10,000 last month, and this month it jumped to N26,000 — yet we barely had power.”
Sani Muhammad of Takur Aduwa Quarters pointed out that some single-room tenants are being billed up to N28,000, which he said is “completely unreasonable.” He also cited a federal directive that prohibits billing during periods of blackout, alleging that KEDCO is flouting that rule.
Lawal Aliyu of Zai Quarters and others joined the call for urgent government intervention.
“We are not receiving value for what we’re being charged,” said Jibrila Nadada. “We need the government to step in, investigate KEDCO’s billing system, and stop this exploitation.”
For now, the community’s anger remains palpable, and their demand is clear: transparency, fairness, and accountability in electricity billing.
