Nigerians would start paying more for electricity from September 1, courtesy of the approval of the hike granted to electricity distributors by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Olumide Anthony Jerome, General Manager, Loss Reduction, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the tariff adjustment in a notification sent to his firm by NERC on August 25, 2021, giving it the nod to proceed with the new adjustment
The notification explained that the increase was due to the nationwide mandate to implement the Service Based Tariff approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The power company informed customers that the increase will be reflected on the energy bill for October, 2021, represents consumption for September this year.
It said: “In addition, for our metered customers with internal vending arrangement, we urge you to adjust the rates accordingly to reflect the new tariff as released by NERC.
“Eko Electricity Distribution Company appreciates your continued patronage as we go through this period of change and growth.”
Chinedu Bosah, Coordinator, Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), told Daily Independent that the planned tariff increase was callous on the part of the government that fails to factor in economic pains the development would cause Nigerians on account of the adjustment.
He also blamed labour leaders for treating electricity issue with kid gloves with the Federal Government, adding that the development would cause increase pains for Nigerians.
He implore Nigerians to prepare themselves for mass resistance against the exploiters in the power sector.
The Nigeria Labour Congress had earlier this month insisted that the Federal Government must implement by December the agreement to reduce electricity tariffs by N15 per kilowatt-hour.
