Allow Nigerians breathe - Senate urges NERC, power distribution companies

Senate President Akpabio

The Senate has stopped the proposed tariff increase by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) saying that they should “allow Nigerians to breathe.”

On Tuesday, the Senate also urged the DisCos to henceforth allow communities in Nigeria to recover the cost in buying electricity transformer before asked them to pay bills.

The DisCos where also urged to halt its estimated billing by urgently supplying all electricity consumers with prepaid meters at affordable rates across the country.

Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde (APC – Oyo Central) moved a motion titled: “Need to halt proposed increase in Electricity Tariff by 11 successor Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos)” at plenary.

After due debate on the motion, the Senate resolved to:

“Call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene and halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the Distribution Companies (Discos);

“Urge Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to decentralize proposed engagement with Stakeholders scheduled for Abuja to the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Federation for effective participation by all;

“Also urge NERC to thoroughly look into the rate review applications filed by the Discos, taking into consideration the interests of citizens, affordability, and the need for improved service delivery;

“Further urge NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by the Discos, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms;”