FG Increases Electricity Tariffs By 300 Percent For Customers In Band A

From Abdul SULE (Abuja)

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced 300 percent increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musliu Oseni, who disclosed this in a press breifing in Abuja on Wednesday, said the increase would see the customers pay N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66 which represents over 300 percent increment.

Customers under Band A are those who enjoy 20 hours of electricity supply daily, adding that these customers represents 15 percent of the 12 million electricity customers in the country.

He added that the commission had also downgraded some customers on the Band A to Band B due to non-fulfilment of the required hours of electricity provided by the electricity distribution company.

“We currently have 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A, but it will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 percent now qualify as Band A feeders.

These feeders only service 15 percent of total electricity customers connected to the feeders.

“The commission has issued an order which is titled April supplementary order and the commission allows a 235 kilowatt per hour.”

He added that the review will not affect customers on the other Bands.

Earlier on Monday, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) jd announced an increase in the price of natural gas, which is used to generate more than 70% of electricity in Nigeria.