Electricity Tariff: FG Clarifies Position, Says Adjustments Minor

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has cleared the air over raging controversy over reported hike electricity tariff by over 50 per cent.

According to the electricity regulatory body,  the rates for service bands A, B, C, D and E were insignificantly  adjusted by NGN2.00 to NGN4.00 per kWhr.

The Commission in a statement  by its spokesman, Micheal Faloseyi rationalized  the adjustment on ground that it is a reflection of existing  impact of inflation as well as changes in forex dynamics which have greatly affected the NERC operations.

The electricity regulator body further disclosed that its customers on service bands D and E are not affected by this latest adjustment.

The NERC statement as released by Faloseyi reads  thus: “The attention of the Commission has been drawn to publications in the print and 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 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 E have been adjusted by NGN2.00 to NGN4.00 per kWhr to reflect the partial impact of inflation & movement in forex.

“In the light of strong public interest on this matter, the media is hereby requested to retract their earlier publications misinforming electricity consumers nationwide about a purported 50% increase in electricity tariffs.

“The Commission remains committed to protecting electricity consumers from failure to deliver on committed service levels under the service-based tariff regime.

“Any customer that has been impacted by any rate increases beyond the above provision of the tariff Order should report to the Commission at [email protected]”