Electricity Consumers In Nigeria Demand New Tariff Reversal

The recent increase in electricity tariff by power distribution companies, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, shows that the Federal Government and Discos are taking Nigerians for granted, power sector experts and consumer groups have said.

Speaking on the issue on Sunday, they demanded the Federal Government to order the power distribution companies to reverse the tariff hike, stressing that it came amidst the severe economic crisis in Nigeria currently.

They also stated that power distributors increased the electricity tariff payable by consumers without following due process as contained in the Multi Year Tariff Order.

Since the hike tariff was confirmed by a Disco last week, several condemnations had trailed the development, despite the silence of the industry regulator concerning the issue.

Punch reported on Wednesday that electricity distribution companies had quietly increased the tariff payable by power consumers across the country.

The report stated that though most of the Discos did not make this public, electricity users kicked against the move, describing it as “a perfect robbery” amidst the harsh economic realities in Nigeria currently.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, which confirmed the tariff hike while responding to a Twitter user on Wednesday, explained that it was based on the order of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

-Punch