NERC Directs Downward Review Of Tariff For Band A Electricity Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has ordered the downward review of electricity tariff for Band A customers to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour from the N225/kWh.

In a statement on Monday, the electricity market operator said the development was due to the appreciation of the naira in the official exchange window.

“Effective from May 6, 2024, Band A end-user tariffs have been reviewed to NGN206.8/ kWh under MYTO 2024. This is largely driven by the relative appreciation of the Naira in the official foreign exchange window,’ According to the statement.

To this effect, electricity Distribution Companies also known as the DisCos, have commenced a reduction in tariffs for Band A customers.

In notices to customers on Monday, the DisCos said the move was in support of improved service delivery to customers under the specified category.

The Ikeja Electric (IE) had in an earlier notice, said the reduced electricity tariff payable by its Band A customers had been slashed to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour from the N225/kWh, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily,” the statement said.

Subsequently, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), also sent similar notices to their customers, saying the development was in alignment with the cost-reflective tariffs framework introduced in 2020.

The tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E customers remain unchanged.

The decision to crash the tariff may not be unconnected with public outcry over the increase in electricity which industry observers, Civil Society Organisations, and labour unions have described as insensitive.