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Residents of Abia State are raising alarm over a sharp surge in electricity bills, with many saying power costs now rival or even exceed house rent. In cities like Umuahia, investigations show that households previously paying between ₦6,000 and ₦14,000 monthly are now receiving bills as high as ₦50,000 to ₦70,000, despite worsening power supply. 
The situation has been blamed on a combination of high tariffs, estimated billing, and poor electricity supply, with residents complaining they are being charged heavily for power they barely receive. Some reported outages lasting days, while supply—when restored—lasts only a few hours. Civil servants and low-income earners say the bills now consume most of their income, leaving little for other basic needs. 
Small business owners are also struggling, with some paying up to ₦80,000–₦90,000 monthly on electricity, forcing closures and threatening livelihoods. Many residents described the situation as unsustainable, calling on authorities to regulate billing practices and improve supply, while others are already considering alternatives like solar energy to cope with the crisis.
