Some power distribution companies in the country have denied reports of having plans to increase electricity tariff beginning from today, January 1, 2024.
They stated that there is no directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for such.
The Head, Corporate Communications, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Adekole Elijah, told Punch;
“We have not received any directive or order on that. I have also heard about the rumour, but it has not been confirmed. So at this moment, I am not aware of any such moves to hike electricity tariffs.
“I also read the claim in one of the dailies that there may be a tariff increase starting from tomorrow, but I’ve not received any correspondence to that effect. If there is a directive we cannot do it secretly, for once there is an increase everybody will know.
“So right now it is still a rumour, no order from the government or NERC directing us to commence or effect any tariff hike. At least till this minute that I’m speaking with you there’s no such directive.”
On if some Discos were contemplating raising their tariffs from January 1, 2024, the Head, Communications, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Emeka Ezeh said such contemplation would not materialise if the regulator did not approve it.
Ezeh said;
“There is no directive from NERC on that. Before such a thing would happen there has to be a directive from NERC, which is normally issued as a regulatory order in that regard.
“But as we speak, I’ve not seen any order or received any directive on tariff hike. That is the position. And even if a Disco is contemplating a hike in tariff, if NERC does not approve, it doesn’t happen.
“Also, before it is implemented, there has to be an approval issued by NERC giving that directive. So that is the position. As we speak there is no order from NERC and as a result there is no hike in tariff.
“Even if we Discos wish to increase the tariff from here to wherever, as long as there is no order from NERC to that effect, it won’t happen. So that is the truth of the matter. Until an order is issued by NERC, what you heard is still just a rumour.”
An official of NERC also disclosed that the commission had not issued any order on tariff hike, but noted that minor reviews of tariff were usually held every six months.