- Aba Power retains the lowest electricity tariff among Nigeria’s 12 distribution companies despite a 50% tariff increase by NERC.
- ECAN praises Aba Power’s resilience and improvements in electricity supply, noting no blackouts since December 16, 2024, in parts of Abia State.
- ECAN expresses optimism that improved gas supply will enable Aba Power to expand capacity and enhance national electricity availability.
Aba Power has kept the lowest electricity tariff among Nigeria’s 12 electricity distribution companies despite the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approving a 50 per cent tariff hike, effective January 1, 2025.
On December 30, 2024, NERC raised Aba Power’s Band A tariff from N117 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to N175.50 per kWh. Even with the increase, the tariff remains much lower than the ₦209.80/kWh charged by most other distribution companies, except for the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), which charges ₦230/kWh.
The South-Eastern Zone of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) confirmed this during its New Year meeting in Awka, Anambra State. ECAN’s Zonal Chairman, Joe Ubani, and Secretary, Chris Okpara, stated that Aba Power continues to offer Nigeria’s most affordable tariff. They also commended the company for overcoming challenges before Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated it in February 2024.
The association noted that Aba Power’s tariff increase would help address financial challenges, particularly the company’s reliance on naira payments while managing foreign currency-paid costs for imported equipment and expatriate staff.
ECAN also praised Aba Power’s recent improvements in electricity supply within the Aba Ring Fence, covering nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas. The statement reported that areas within the region had not experienced blackouts since December 16, 2024.
The improvement resulted from resumed gas delivery to the 18-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma Industrial Layout. NNPCL and Heirs Energies supply the gas via a 27-kilometre pipeline from the Oil Mining Licence (OML) 17 in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
ECAN acknowledged the two-week disruption of power supply caused by pipeline damage in Rivers State. However, the association remains hopeful. With the resumed gas supply, ECAN expects Geometric Power to operate two additional General Electric turbines soon. This expansion will allow the company to export excess electricity to other parts of Nigeria, improving national power availability.
In conclusion, ECAN’s statement emphasised Aba Power’s efforts to overcome past challenges and maintain affordable tariffs. The association also noted that the tariff increase is necessary to improve financial stability, while the company’s improvements in electricity supply show its commitment to reliable service. As the gas supply improves, ECAN expressed optimism that Aba Power will expand its capacity and contribute to national power generation.
The association called for continued support for Aba Power’s operations, hoping its growth will set a positive example for other distribution companies in Nigeria.