Suspend Electricity Tariff Hike, Reps Orders National Electricity Regulatory Commission

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been directed to suspend the proposed increase in electricity tariffs by distribution companies across the country.

The House of Representatives gave the directive following a resolution passed during plenary on Thursday.

Persecondnews reports that the lawmakers had adopted a motion sponsored by Rep. Sani Madaki (NNPP-Kano).

Madaki said the proposed tariff hike would be burdensome for Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The House has mandated its committee on power to engage in discussions with NERC to seek a mutual understanding and find a middle ground to address the proposed tariff hike.

The lawmakers said 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.

Discos had indicated that electricity tariffs would be increased by 40 per cent due to rising petrol prices with effect from July 1.

The increase was said to be contingent on the 2022 multi-year tariff order (MYTO) which is due for a bi-annual review this month.

The MYTO is a regulatory framework that sets the prices that electricity distribution companies can charge consumers.

Persecondnews reports that electricity has not improved appreciably across the country with some states having less than five hours of electricity daily.