No 50% Electricity Tariff Hike – NERC
BY EDMOND ODOK – Amid deafening public uproar, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has debunked reports of a 50 per cent hike in electricity tariff payable by power consumers nationwide.
Describing the claims as inappropriate, the Commission said in a statement on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 that such raise was not contained in the tariff order for electricity distribution companies which became effective on January 1, 2021.
According to NERC, the tariff for customers being served less than an average of 12 hours of power supply per day; over a period of one month remains frozen and subsidized in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction.
The statement said; “The attention of the Commission has been drawn to publications in the print; as well as electronic media misinforming electricity consumers that the Commission has approved a 50% increase in electricity tariffs.
“The Commission hereby state unequivocally that no approval has been granted for a 50% tariff increase in the Tariff Order for electricity distribution companies which took effect on January 1, 2021.
“On the contrary, the tariff for customers on service bands D & E (customers being served less than an average of 12hrs of supply per day over a period of one month) remains frozen; and also subsidised in line with the policy direction of the FG.
“In compliance with the provisions of the EPSR Act; and the nation’s tariff methodology for biannual minor review; the rates for service bands A, B, C, D, and also E have been adjusted by NGN2.00 to NGN4.00 per kWhr to reflect the partial impact of inflation & movement in forex.”
Assuring Nigerians of its commitment to effective power sector service delivery, the statement further said; “The Commission remains committed to protecting electricity; consumers from failure to deliver on committed service levels under the service-based tariff regime.”
