Power distribution companies in Nigeria have refuted claims of an electricity tariff hike commencing on January 1, 2024. Contrary to speculations, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive for such an increase, as confirmed by various utility companies.
Adekole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications at Jos Electricity Distribution Company, dismissed the rumors, stating, “At this moment, I am not aware of any moves to hike electricity tariffs. It’s still a rumor; no order from the government or NERC directing us to commence any tariff hike.”
Emeka Ezeh, Head of Communications at Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that without NERC approval, any contemplation of tariff increase would not materialize. He affirmed, “As we speak, there is no order from NERC, and as a result, there is no hike in tariff.”
An unnamed official from NERC clarified that the commission had not issued any order on tariff hike, emphasizing that minor reviews were typically conducted every six months.
The denial comes in the wake of previous statements by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who, in November 2023, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had halted the implementation of an electricity tariff hike, advocating for subsidy payments nationwide.
Adelabu explained the government’s stance on tariff adjustments, stating, “The power sector is very sensitive, and until we achieve regular and incremental power supply, the cost reflective tariff cannot be implemented.
The government is currently handling the gap between the supposed tariff and the allowed tariff through subsidies, impacting liquidity, investments, and causing various constraints.”
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