The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has issued a comprehensive advisory urging customers to exercise heightened caution with electricity use during the ongoing rainy season, emphasizing the increased risks of electrocution, electrical fires, and damage to appliances. This warning comes as the rainy season exposes overhead electrical infrastructure to hazards such as heavy rain, flooding, lightning, and strong winds, which can cause faults and endanger lives and property.
In a statement released on Monday, EEDC’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, highlighted that lightning strikes on power lines or buildings could trigger dangerous electrical shocks and power surges that damage household appliances. Additionally, strong winds can topple power lines, creating hazardous situations with downed wires often submerged in water, posing lethal risks.
To mitigate these dangers, EEDC advised customers to avoid any contact with fallen poles or dangling wires and to promptly report such occurrences via the emergency hotline (08150824301). The company also cautioned against handling electrical devices with wet hands, stressing that water is a conductor of electricity and significantly increases the risk of shock.
Parents were specifically urged to keep children away from electrical poles, transformers, and exposed wires, especially during rainfall or flooding, as these areas become death traps when electricity is still live. Customers were further advised to switch off electrical appliances during thunderstorms to protect against power surges.
Ezeh underscored the importance of engaging only licensed electricians for repairs and ensuring proper earthing in homes to prevent shocks. “At EEDC, the safety of our customers and their property is our priority, and we remain committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity,” he concluded.
These measures form part of EEDC’s proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property during a season that historically sees a spike in electrical accidents due to environmental factors and infrastructure vulnerabilities.