Power Sector Reform and Electricity Distribution in Enugu State

This study “Power Sector Reform and Electricity Distribution in Enugu State seek to access the impact of Power Sector Reform on Nigerian citizens and the operational effectiveness of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). The glaring inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the Power Sector and its heavy dependent on the National Treasury for financial operation constitute some of the problems that gave rise to this study. Descriptive Research design was used intended to establishing the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The major instrument used for data collection was questionnaire and personal interviews. The questionnaire was structured using five point likert scale. Simple and cumulative percentages were employed to analyze the data obtained from the respondents. The findings revealed that there is no technological improvement in the company yet. Also that Enugu Electricity Distribution Company has made slight improvement in terms of service delivery and rectification of electricity faults. However, the improvement in the sector is marred by hike in electricity user tariffs, poor channel of electricity distribution etc. Based on the findings above, the study recommends among other things that EEDC should embark on technological effectiveness through investment in basic power technologies like higher capacity transformers etc. Also that available relevant mechanism should be put in place for prompt customers' attention and faults rectification aimed at improved customers' service. There is need for government to reduce the sufferings of the masses through creation of employment and reduction in electricity user tariff for the affordability of the citizens considering the importance of electricity to economic buildings. The study then concludes that through privatization, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has brought slight improvement in service delivery. It cannot be said to have achieved desired economic development for the Nigerian citizens in the South East due to lack of technological effectiveness and hike in electricity price making it unaffordable to many Nigerian families.