LECAN slams IBEDC, labels electricity band system fraudulent

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Osun State Chapter, has condemned the electricity supply band classification introduced by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), describing it as fraudulent and exploitative.

The association staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo on Thursday, decrying alleged exploitation, harassment, and inhumane treatment of customers by IBEDC. The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Enough of IBEDC Exploitation on Transformers,” “Make Meters Available for All Customers,” and “Upgrade All Meters at a Record Time,” reflecting their anger over the alleged abuse.

LECAN’s state chairman, Prophet Michael Adebayo, accused IBEDC of fraudulently debiting new customers up to N100,000 on newly created accounts before they are even connected to the grid. He said these fabricated debts are transferred to prepaid meters, forcing customers to pay for electricity they never consumed—an act he described as illegal and contrary to the Electricity Act.

He further alleged that faulty meters are not replaced by IBEDC, leaving customers to either pay for new ones or be placed on estimated billing, which results in long-term indebtedness. “Some customers who submitted cards for meter upgrades have yet to receive them back from IBEDC. This is unacceptable,” he said.

The association called on IBEDC to provide free replacements for faulty meters, supply outstanding meters paid for in 2015 to 2017, and immediately return all withheld upgrade cards.

LECAN also demanded that IBEDC staff stop taking over the roles of licensed electrical contractors. “The Electricity Act does not allow IBEDC workers to act as contractors. Residents are being exploited when trying to repair or replace damaged transformers, and in some cases, newly installed transformers are left unpowered because proper ‘PR’ has not been made,” Adebayo alleged.

In response, IBEDC’s Senior Communication Officer for Osun Region, Kike Owoeye, said the company remains committed to transparency, customer service, and regulatory compliance. She urged customers to use official channels to report concerns.