February 1, 2016 is the stipulated date for the commencement of new electricity tariff. This was announced on Wednesday by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The commission has also directed electricity distribution companies to desist from connecting new customers to the national grid without providing them with meters.
“We wish to state that at no time did the commission change the date for the takeoff of the new tariff,” NERC said. Anthony Akah, acting head of the NERC, explained that fixed charge was removed under the newtariff regime because of consumers complains against it. It was also 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 NERC will continue to engage stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, 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 added.
By Dike Onwuamaeze