Don’t Approve Increase In Electricity Tariff – House Urges NERC

The House of Representatives has urged the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) not to approve any increase in electricity tariff in Nigeria.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Aliyu Sani Madaki from Kano state.

In his lead debate, titled Suspense over Planned Electricity Tariff hike, Mr. Madaki observed that recently, Distribution Companies (DISCOS) alerted customers of a planned electricity tariff hike hinged on the Multi-Year Tariff Oder (MYTO).

“The House also notes that the circular issued by DISCOS stated that effective July 1, 2023, there would be an upward review of the electricity tariff influenced by fluctuating rates.

“The House is concerned about the widespread apprehension in the country over the planned introduction of a new electricity tariff regime by the Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

“The House is also concerned that the recent statement by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) directing its Consumers to disregard the earlier notice of the increase in the electricity tariffs hike is confusing as members of the public are confused as to what to believe.

“The House is further concerned that the proposed increase is coming despite the inability of the operators to meet the threshold of supplying at least 5,000 megawatts per year after signing the contract with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to the Minority Leader, it is inappropriate and insensitive to come up with a price increase of such magnitude at this time when many Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the increase in petrol prices.

In their various contributions against the motion, a member from Lagos State Babajimi Benson and a member from Osun state Bamidele Salaam argued that the house should invite the DISCOS and GENCOS to hear their own side of the story and the Federal government should improve workers welfare to enable them to afford the new hike rather than stop it.

Supporting the motion, a member from from Borno state, Satomi Ahmed and a member from Gombe State, Ali Isa JC Balanga decried the increase in the proposed electricity tariff despite the inability of the operators to meet the threshold of supplying at least 5,000 megawatts per year.

When the motion was put to voice vote by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided Plenary, majority of the lawmakers voted in support of the motion.

The Deputy Speaker thereafter, referred the motion to the committee on power when constituted to interface with NERC with a view to finding a common ground to addressing the proposed hike in the interest of Nigerians.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji