By Adedapo Adesanya
The House of Representatives has said it won’t stand for the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs amid current realities battled by Nigerians.
This resolution was reached following a motion presented by Mr Aliyu Madaki, who expressed strong disapproval of the price hike, especially considering the recent increase in petrol prices that has already burdened many Nigerians.
Mr Madaki emphasised that it is inappropriate and insensitive to introduce such a significant tariff increase at a time when citizens are still grappling with the impact of the petrol price surge following the extermination of the subsidy regime.
In response to the motion, the House has mandated its committee on power, once constituted, to engage in discussions with NERC.
The aim is to seek a mutual understanding and find a middle ground to address the proposed tariff hike, considering the current economic challenges faced by the populace.
The lawmakers say the House remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians and ensuring that decisions made by regulatory bodies are in line with the welfare of the citizens.
Recall that DisCos had planned to increase the tariff from July 1, 2023, but this was dismissed. It was claimed that there was never such a plan in the pipeline.
Before the proposed increment, customers on Band B were charged about N45 per kilowatt hour, especially in early May 2023, but later in the month, it was raised to about N65 per kilowatt.
Business Post reported that on Wednesday, a customer of Ikeja Electric was charged about N70 per kilowatt hour for electricity exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), but inclusive of the 7.5 per cent VAT; the price was about N75 per kilowatt hour.
It was also reported that the electricity distribution firms in the country formally wrote a letter to the industry’s regulator, seeking its approval to increase tariffs.
Modupe Gbadeyanka