In a controversial move, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given the green light to increase electricity rates for customers classified under Band A, despite widespread complaints about epileptic power supply.
Band A customers, who currently benefit from 20 hours of electricity supply daily, will now face a substantial hike in their tariffs. Mr. Musliu Oseni, the vice chairman of NERC, announced that these customers will be charged N225 per kilowatt-hour, a significant jump from the previous rate of N66.
Addressing reporters during a press briefing in Abuja, Oseni revealed that Band A customers constitute 15 percent of the 12 million electricity users nationwide. He further explained that some customers previously classified under Band A have been downgraded to Band B due to their failure to receive the required hours of electricity from distribution companies.
Oseni stated, “We currently have 800 feeders categorized as Band A, but this number will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 percent now qualify as Band A feeders, serving only 15 percent of total electricity customers connected to the feeders.”
The commission also issued an order, titled April Supplementary Order, allowing for a tariff increase to 235 kilowatt-hours per hour.
Despite the uproar over the tariff hike, Oseni assured that customers in other bands would not be affected by the review. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the reliability and consistency of electricity supply across Nigeria.
