NERC insists on Feb 1 for new tariffs

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has insisted that the new tariffs for different categories of power consumers would begin on February 1, 2016.

NERC, which said this in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs, Dr. Usman Abba-Arabi, noted that the controversial N750 fixed charge would also cease to be effective from that date.

The statement quoted NERC’s Acting Head, Dr. Anthony Aka, as saying that the removal of the fixed charge was in response to complaints from consumers.

The statement reads: “NERC wishes to reiterate that the take off date of the new electricity tariff (MYTO 2015) still remains February 1, 2016 and it is in view of this that the Commission has told distribution companies to abide by its directive not to connect new customers without first providing them meters.

The acting Head of the Commission Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, said that the removal of fixed charge under the new tariff regime “was in response to electricity consumers’ complaints and a measure to ensure electricity distribution companies improve on service delivery as their income is dependent on the quantity of electricity used by their customers.”

Akah said that the Commission will continue to engage stakeholders including members of the National Assembly (NASS) to address their concerns on the new tariff regime. “NERC holds National Assembly in high esteem and we are sure that both institutions are working to ensure that the National and consumer interests are protected.”

He explained that there are inbuilt consumer protection mechanisms and incentives for improved service delivery by the DISCOs and fair return on investment in the new Tariff Order.

The Commission in implementing this cost reflective tariff will effectively monitor and enforce all service delivery agreements in the new tariff order.