Categories: Top Stories

Reps Minority Caucus Tackles NERC Over Insensitive, Inhuman Electricity Tariff Hike

Advertisement
Advertisement

Reps Minority Caucus has tackled NERC over what it described as an insensitive and inhuman electricity tariff hike.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has labelled the increase in electricity tariffs by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as insensitive, inhuman, and absolutely unnecessary.

 

This Nigeria news platform understands that the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, expressed these sentiments in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

 

ALSO: IGP Approves Immediate Promotion Of 10,581 Inspectors, Others

 

He pointed out that the population is dealing with rapid inflation, escalating unemployment, and insufficient access to essential services.

 

According to him, the sharp rise in tariffs has added an insufferable burden to the populace, already under strain, making economic conditions worse and deepening the inequality among citizens.

 

“Such a hike, which is over 200% above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidy.

 

“We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only 12% of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day.

 

“The truth has become stark that this is stark lie. The hike, from data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers,” he said.

 

Furthermore, he called on President Bola Tinubu to persuade NERC to retract its decision and focus on the well-being of the citizens.

The lawmaker emphasized the need for transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making to tackle the underlying issues of the energy sector’s inefficiencies and guarantee lasting solutions.

 

“Citizens have the right to demand efficient service delivery and fair pricing mechanisms that align with their economic realities.

 

“In solidarity with the Nigerian people, we stand firm in our condemnation of this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariffs and call for immediate action to alleviate the burdens imposed on the populace,” he added.

 

Recall that NewsOnline Nigeria reported on Wednesday that  the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, announced am increase in the electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

 

The Vice Chairman of NERC, Musliu Oseni, said that the increase will see customers paying N225/kWh instead of the previous N66.

 

According to NERC, Customers under Band A are those who enjoy 20 hours electricity supply on a daily basis.

 

Oseni noted that this represents less than 15% of the total consumers of the electricity supply in the country.

 

“The commission now reviewed further the application by the distribution companies and have decided that only the 17% feeders and less than 15% customers will be affected by any rate increase that the commission will ever approve for the distribution company.

 

“The order takes effect from today and in that order the commission has approved a rate review of N225 per killowatt hour for just under 15% of the customer population in NESI. That means that less than 15% of the customers will be affected,” Oseni added.

Advertisement
NewsOnline Nigeria

Recent Posts

  • Exchange Rates

BREAKING: Sani Fagge Exposes Cabals Misleading President Tinubu

Sani Fagge has exposed cabals misleading and shielding President Tinubu from Nigerians' suffering.   NewsOnline…

1 hour ago
  • Crime Watch

BREAKING: Tinubu Government Moves To Extradite Simon Ekpa Suffers Major Setback

President Tinubu Government's move to extradite Simon Ekpa has suffered a major setback.   NewsOnline…

2 hours ago
  • Exchange Rates

BREAKING: FG Speaks On Sacking Civil Servants With Benin Republic, Togo University Certificates

FG has spoken on sacking civil servants with Benin Republic and Togo University Certificates.  …

2 hours ago
  • Exchange Rates

BREAKING: Governor Okpebholo Appoints Sulaiman Aledeh New MD Of EBS TV, Radio

Governor Okpebholo has appointed Sulaiman Aledeh New MD Of EBS TV and Radio.   NewsOnline…

2 hours ago
  • Sports

Premier League 2025/26 Season Start Dates, Fixtures Announced (FULL LIST)

Premier League 2025/26 Season Start Dates and Fixtures have been announced.   NewsOnline Nigeria reports…

12 hours ago
  • Economy And Business

BREAKING: Nigeria Labour Congress Insists On Embarking On Nationwide Strike

Nigeria Labour Congress has insisted on embarking on a nationwide strike over the new minimum…

12 hours ago