The House of Representatives Committee on Power has rejected the recent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity and Regulatory Commission (NERC) and called for an immediate reversal of the hike.
Speaking at the interactive session of the Committee on Power with the management of NERC, the lawmakers expressed displeasure that electricity generation and distribution are being poorly managed by the sector players.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Victor Nwokolo stated that the concerns expressed by electricity users in the country is that estimated bills are being given to the consumers of electricity even when the power is not there.
He said the increase in electricity charges as announced by the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) is not commensurate with the services being rendered by the service providers.
Another member of the Committee Hon Markus Onobun Izigbeanya (PDP, Edo) said that the electricity distribution companies are not doing enough to ensure that the people get a 24-hour electricity supply.
Also speaking on the situation, Hon.Ibrahim Isiaka (APC, Ogun) asked if the electricity distribution companies are providing the needed buffer for the end users of electricity in case there is any system collapse.
Other members of the Committee as Hon. Dagomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) and Hon.Amobi Ogar (LP, Abia) also spoke against the recent announcement of the increase in electricity tariff.
Ogar who said that he outrightly rejects the increase in electricity tariff also moved a motion that the tariff increase be immediately suspended by the agency.
In his response, the NERC Chairman, Engr Sanusi Garba said that the commission is working to ensure that there is a steady supply of electricity to cities and villages throughout the country through a coordinated energy sector master plan.
The House committee thereafter resolved to continue to engage with the power sector stakeholders to ensure that the recent increase in electricity tariff is reversed in the citizen’s interest.
