The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have been ordered by the Senate to halt their proposed tariff increase.
Persecondnews recalls that DisCos had in June informed customers that there would be a 40 percent electricity tariff increase effective from July 1, 2023, following the fluctuating exchange rate.
Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were sequel to a motion titled, “Need to halt the proposed increase in Electricity Tariff by 11 successor Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos)”, sponsored by Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde (APC) Oyo Central and co-sponsored by Senators Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC), Cross River South and
Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP), Adamawa Central.
The Senate also urged NERC to “thoroughly look into the rate review applications” filed by the Discos taking into consideration the interests of citizens, affordability, and the need for improved service delivery.
The Upper Chamber further asked NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by the Discos, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.
The Senate resolved: “Call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the Distribution Companies (Discos).
“Urge Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to decentralize proposed engagement with Stakeholders scheduled for Abuja to the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Federation for effective participation by all.
“Also urge NERC to thoroughly look into the rate review applications filed by the Discos, taking into consideration the interests of citizens, affordability, and the need for improved service delivery.
“Further urge NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by the Discos, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.
“Equally urge Discos to henceforth discontinue estimated billing and make available to all electricity consumers prepaid meters at affordable prices.
“Mandate the Committee on Power (when constituted) to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, NERC, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian electricity sector, including the need for comprehensive sector reforms.
“Call on DisCos to allow communities recover cost of purchasing transformers before asking them to pay bills.
“Call on DisCos and NERC to allow Nigerians to breathe.”
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