Effa Tambenkongho
11 April 2008
The populations of Douala and some towns in Cameroon have always complained of high electricity bills since AES-SONEL took over to head the electricity corporation in Cameroon. Many reasons were advanced by the authorities of AES-SONEL to the increase in electricity bills, such as insufficient water supply in the river Sanaga during the dry season. Because of this reason, they introduced load shedding during the dry season. They also claimed to have inherited obsolete equipment and needed time to put their working conditions in order.
For a long time, consumers have been silent, though not contented, with the electricity bills they are charged to pay.
Many people in Douala were shocked with very high bills which were served them for the month of March. A lady who stays in Bonapriso complained that she has only a small fridge in her house and she was charged to pay FCFA 40,000 when her usual bill has been between FCFA 20-22,000 per month. A young man around Deido said his bills have increased by FCFA 4,000. Everybody who talked to Cameroon Tribune complained of increase in their electricity bills and was disgruntled. Some other persons said they used to have high bills but that for the month of March it is scandalous. Some people complained they would march to AES -SONEL office so that they can explain what is going on and why bills continue to increase in spite of the promises which have raised their hopes. One of the customers said there has been continuous rainfall since the month of March and he believe should be of great help to the electricity crisis.
The official of AES SONEL, who spoke to Cameroon Tribune, explained that the new innovation they have put in place will take effect as from the month of April. Changes will only be realised in the bills for April.
According to the innovation, AES-SONEL might bring great relief to customers. According to this innovation, the unit of consumption which used to be FCFA 75 during the dry season and FCFA 65 during the rainy season has been annulled. The system now is any consumption less then 110 kilowatt is charged FCFA 50.
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