NERC raises tariff for Band A by 1.3% amid calls for reduction

•Ikeja Electric adds 13 Band A feeders to network

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced a 1.3 per cent increase in tariffs for Band A customers as captured in the Multi-Year Tariff Supplementary Order (MYTSO).

This decision comes amid calls for tariff reduction by labour unions and other Nigerians, who argue that the economic burden on consumers is already too high.

The new tariff adjustment will see rates increase from N206.80/kWh to N209.50/kWh, to address financial challenges in the power sector and improving the quality of supply.

NERC had reviewed the electricity tariffs for Band A customers from N225/kWh to N206.8/kWh in May 2024. The reduction followed a 240 per cent increase 33 days earlier, from N68/kWh.

The increase in tariff for Band A customers was to take effect immediately to ensure, at least, 20 hours power supply to the customers.
The Guardian gathered that the revised tariff structure would impact residential, commercial and industrial consumers within Band A, who are typically high-consumption users.

The tariff revision, according to the commission, aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline electricity pricing while ensuring equity and sustainability within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

A statement by Acting Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Francis Agoha, revealed that the tariff would be adjusted from N206.80/kWh to N209.50/kWh with immediate effect.

The Distribution Company (DisCo) emphasised that the adjustment was necessitated by several key economic indices, including fluctuations in the exchange rate, inflation rate, available generation capacity and the cost of gas.

It added that the factors that necessitated the increase significantly impacted operational costs, and that the new tariff would mitigate the financial pressures while continuing to deliver high-quality services.

“It is important to note that this adjustment affects only our Band A customers. The tariffs for Bands B, C, D and E remain unchanged. We remain committed to providing reliable and efficient electricity services to all our customers across different bands. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible value for your money.” the statement reads.

Also, Kaduna DisCo and Ikeja Electric have announced an increase in tariffs for its Band A customers. The Head, Corporate Communication at Kaduna DisCo, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the adjustment, effective from July 1, 2024, affected both prepaid and post-paid customers.

Meanwhile, Ikeja Electric said it obtained NERC’s approval to add 13 Band A feeders to its network, based on its ability to provide a minimum of 20 hours of power daily during a performance evaluation period monitored by the regulator.

On the tariff upward review to N209.50/kWh, the DisCo assured customers that the development would further sustain the improved service delivery being experienced across all feeder bands within its network.

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