Senate Orders NERC to Stop Hike in Electricity Tariff

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, February 16th, 2016

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

The Senate has directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately suspend the February 1 2016 electricity tariff hikes, which is estimated at 40 per cent.

Minister for Power, Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola had recently announced the increase, citing economic realities as the basis.

Reacting to the development, the organized labour last week staged a nationwide protest and shut down NERC offices nationwide.

But explaining the move of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said that the increase was not justifiable.

“The move is necessary because any increase in cost, without the necessary improvement in service delivery by the power companies is unacceptable.

“Furthermore, the power distribution companies must work to ensure that every establishment in Nigeria is provided with capabilities for metered billing.

“Doing this would end the sharp practice of arbitrary billing, which estimates the power consumption of Nigerians in the generation of their monthly bills.”