THE WILL NEWS
The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to halt the proposed hike in electricity tariff by Distribution Companies (Discos) in the country.
While stressing the need to allow ordinary Nigerians to breathe, the lawmakers directed Discos to discontinue estimated billing henceforth and make prepaid meters available to all electricity consumers at affordable prices.
The resolutions followed a motion 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).
Presenting the motion, Titled, “Need to Halt the Proposed Increase in Electricity Tariff by Eleven Successor Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos)”, Senator Akintunde maintained that the Discos have no justification for the hike, especially as the price of natural gas has not been reviewed,
“The Senate: Observes that the eleven (11) successor electricity distribution companies (“Discos”) have filed an application for rate review with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The request for rate review is premised on the need to incorporate changes in macroeconomic parameters and other factors affecting the quality of service, operations and sustainability of the companies;
“Also observes that the Commission in line with its mandate has requested the general public for comments on the rate review applications by the distribution licensees; while advising interested stakeholders to review and take into consideration the excerpts of the Rate Review Applications filed with the Commission by the respective licensees;
“Aware that as part of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) rule-making process and in the exercise of the powers conferred by the Electricity Act 2023, the Commission is empowered to conduct a Rate Case Hearing on the applications prior to making a ruling;
“Also aware that Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had through its official website published and set 20th July 2023, deadline for comment by stakeholders;
“Worried that within the last 10 years, billions of naira were spent by Senators across Nigeria in the procurement and installation of transformers through various Zonal Intervention Projects (ZLPs) as a result of the request in Senator’s various Constituencies.
“Also worried that when these transformers are supplied and installed becomes registered properties of the Discos (a privately owned enterprise); while sadly same Discos have consistently refused to energise such Transformers on the ground that affected communities have to pay millions of naira arrears of bills for electricity never consumed while keeping the affected consumer in perpetual darkness;
