- NERC is in the process of a minor tariff review
- Consumer rights group kick against any increment
- Say conditions precedent to a tariff increment not met by the DisCos
Consumer rights groups, the Energy Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Initiative (ECRRI), and the All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum (AECPF) have expressed their disapproval of further increments in electricity tariffs.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) last week announced it was working to conclude the extraordinary tariff review process for the period of January to June. It also added that it would begin the process for the July-December minor review.
Consumers and consumer rights groups around the country have kicked against an increase in electricity tariffs. Mr. Adeola Samuel-Ilori, National Coordinator, AECPF quoting, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005 said, “In the major review they have to fulfill the provisions of Section 76(1) of the EPSRA which states that a licensee can ask for a review premised on what the licensee has spent so far to improve supply”.
”This also applies to minor review and we cannot say that supply has improved in the last few months based on the DisCos investments in the sector”, he added.
Speaking on the impact of an increment on citizens, Mr. Samuel-Ilori said, “There is rising inflation in costs of goods and services. Some Nigerians have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and are barely holding on”.
“There is no justification for any increment in electricity at this point in time. We are even thinking of how government can give electricity credits to Nigerians to ameliorate their plights”, he added.