Nigerians got another stimulus package post COVID-19 lockdown. This time around, it is the increment in electricity tariffs.
This distribution companies have already effected the changes. Following the enforced lockdown, the country is just returning to normalcy. The move could not be more ill-timed.
NRTC News Categories
The average Nigerian struggles to survive by living on the equivalent of a dollar per day. This new development is a clear disregard of their plight. Several organisations were forced to downsize their operations while many people have lost their jobs.
Photo: Oladipupo Mojeed
Imagine a private school teacher, living on just 20 percent salary due to the lockdown; being imposed on with these increments. Many citizens have been using the new slang ” this life no balance at all”. Indeed it is not.
NRTC Latest Posts
- Eniola Ajao discloses how she almost poisoned herself
- “I love my bullies”- Nigerian recording artiste, Tiwa Savage
- Bobrisky: Here is why transvestite absconded from Nigeria
- INEC chairman assures Ondo voters of improved logistics, results management
- ‘Quincy Jones was music,’ – Barack Obama pays tribute to legendary music producer
- AbdulRazaq inspects Kwara’s indoor sports hall project
The National Assembly had tried to prevent the increment, citing the present economic status of the country.
The Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) were urged to hold off until the first quarter of 2021. However they proceeded with their plan of implementing the increase as of the 1st of July.
Most households weren’t even aware that the changes had come into effect. This is because they were made to believe that the new rates will apply from 1st of September.
New Electricity Tariff
According to a document released by the National Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) on Tuesday, the tariff will only affect electricity customers enjoying over 12 hours of supply.
For instance, the new tariff of Ikeja Electric shows that a residential customer on single-phase receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply will now pay N42.73 per KWh, up from N21.30 per kWh. This is over a hundred percent increase on the former rate.
Read Also: Fuel price hike: Nigeria without fuel subsidy
Those using the service of Eko Electricity Distribution Company will now pay N43.01 per kWh, up from N24 per kWh.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company increased theirs to N45.69 per KWh, from N24.30 per kWh. Kaduna Electric upped theirs to N50.10 per KWh. There is no increase to the tariff for customers receiving less than 12 hours supply.
Nigerians have yet unresolved issues of estimated billing as a result of post-paid electricity meters. Therefore many feel that is a another avenue for further exploitation.
There is no transparency on the calculation of estimated bills. How will customers verify that they are being charged accurately?
Many questions remain unanswered. Only time will tell.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
