VGC residents write NERC, say band A power supply ‘erratic, unreliable’

Residents of Victoria Garden City (VGC), a highbrow estate in Lagos, have raised alarm over what they describe as unreliable and inadequate power supply.

In a letter dated May 14 2025, addressed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and signed by the Victoria Garden City Property Owners and Residents Association (VGCPORA), the community expressed “deep dissatisfaction and growing concern” over prolonged power outages.

The residents said, despite being classified as band A customers, there have been frequent voltage fluctuations and the failure of the local distribution company to meet the required service thresholds.

VGCPORA added that between January and May 2025, electricity supply to the estate consistently fell below the 90 percent minimum threshold stipulated for band A feeders, which promises a minimum of 20 hours of supply per day.

“Despite being charged at Band A rates, the VGC community has suffered frequent and prolonged outages,” the association said.

“These service disruptions have not only caused immense inconvenience but have also led to escalating operational costs. The monthly electricity bill for common areas alone has risen from N3.6 million to N14.8 million.”

The residents said they have had to rely heavily on diesel-powered generators to maintain basic services, compounding the association’s and individual households’ financial burden.

The association also decried the lack of preventive maintenance on key infrastructure such as ring main units (RMUs) and transformers, which they say contributes to recurring faults and unstable power.

‘RESTORE POWER SUPPLY, REDUCE FREQUENCY OF OUTAGES’

In the letter, the association urged NERC to intervene and investigate service delivery failures urgently.

VGCPORA also demanded the immediate restoration of “reliable power supply in line with Band A obligations, or a downgrade of the VGC feeder classification to reflect actual service levels”.

“Ensure improved and proactive infrastructure maintenance to significantly reduce the frequency of local outages and improve supply stability,” the association said.

“Mandate a comprehensive review of the distribution infrastructure servicing VGC, and ensure the timely replacement of faulty or ageing equipment by the Distribution Company.”

The association urged NERC to treat the matter urgently and work with all stakeholders to bring about a swift and sustainable resolution.