BAND A CUSTOMERS EXPRESS FRUSTRATION AS DISCOS FURTHER JERK UP ELECTRICITY TARIFF

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Following announcements by distribution companies about an additional rise in the tariff price for Band A users, customers of electricity have expressed frustration.

The issue arose after public notices that were obtained on Wednesday from a few energy companies said that the tariff had been raised from ₦206.80 to ₦209.50 kW/h.

The new pricing is effective as of July 1, 2024, according to a message posted by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on its official X handle, @EKEDP, which was seen.

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“Dear Valued Customer, Kindly be informed that there has been an upward review in the Band A tariff rate from N206.80 to N209.50kW/h. This review is effective July 1, 2024.

“Rest assured of our commitment to maintaining the guaranteed 20-hours minimum power supply in line with the Service Based Tariff,” the DisCo wrote.

Shortly after EKEDC posted the update, Ikeja Electric followed suit with a related notice to its customers.

The firm, however, added that the increase was in line with a service-based tariff regime, and that the tariff for Band B, C, D, and E remained unchanged.

On its part, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc ( IBEDC) after announcing the upward review, said the move was duly approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Company as captured in the multi-year tariff supplementary order.

The management of IBEDC stressed that the adjustment is necessitated by several key economic indices, including fluctuations in the exchange rate, the current inflation rate, available generation capacity, and the cost of gas.

These factors, according to the Disco, have significantly impacted operational costs, and the new tariff will mitigate these financial pressures while continuing to deliver high-quality electricity services.

In the notice signed by the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC, Francis Agoha, the company noted, “We understand that any change in tariffs can be a concern for our customers, and we assure you that this adjustment is necessary to maintain and improve the quality of our services. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible value for your money,” he concluded.

Although the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) did not post any notice of an increment, it would be recalled that the company recently got slammed with a fine of ₦200m for violation of the New Tariff Order by NERC.

The NERC had in a recent press statement, imposed the fine on AEDC, after which it instructed the company to refund customers on the Band B, C, D and E accordingly.

“This decision follows a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.

“Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order,” NERC had said in the statement.

The announcement on the latest tariff has since generated outrages online, with electricity consumers tearing the DisCos apart.

“No light you are designing rubb!!!sh”, #@iamscrummy wrote.

@ChAAley10 said, “Your service to one day av, along Isuti in Igando Lagos, has been poor for more than 8 weeks, and till this very hour there’s no action taken to restore power supply to this area mentioned. This is getting out of hand and residents have spent a lot on fueling generators”

One of EKEDC’s customers living at Festac Town, Lagos, questioned if the estate was truly under Band A.

“What is happening at Festac 01 33kv Ojo barracks and its environs? Light has been out for 84 hours straight. Are you sure we are on Band A? Light out for 4 straight days and nothing heard from you guys. These guys are out to bury this country”, @dlomann said, tagging @NERCNG in his tweet.

“If this is not madness pls tell me what I can call it. 1-u guys haven’t updated ur infrastructure in years, they are obsolete. 2-u haven’t increased power generation 3-u can’t justify 4hr difference btw Band A & B 4-u have increased it d 2^nd time, & no light for 24 hrs,” @IamOAR lashed out.

“Even when they announced #206.6kw/h tariff, it was a big lie, the cost was #222.2kw/h. The electricity distribution companies are liars, lying to the public”, @Dt_bello1 wrote.

On her part, @Nkechinyer54391 hope for a “better government” to scrap the DisCos.

“This is where we would see your hard work. The only time you people function well is when you’re increasing tariffs. Give us good service, you won’t. I hope we’ll get a better government that would scrap you all. Just send all of you to Sambisa forest!,” she wrote.

@GFCLASSIS also expressed frustration over the increment.

“The only thing you people know how to do is increase tariff. You don’t care that companies can’t afford to pay and they’re leaving the country. Even the Band A you’re not giving steady electricity. You people should continue with your increment.”

@mz_fejiroo asked the DisCos to “fix” their customers before increasing tariffs.

He wrote, “You are increasing fee, but refuse to attend to issues people having band A are facing Fix your customer system It’s terrible!!!!!”