Electricity customers have expressed frustration following announcements by distribution companies regarding a further increase in the price of tariffs for Band A customers. This announcement has sparked a significant backlash online, with many customers voicing their discontent.
Why It Matters
The increase in tariffs has a direct impact on the cost of living for many Nigerians, especially those classified under Band A, who will see their electricity costs rise.
The adjustment also raises questions about the fairness and timing of the hike, given the economic challenges currently facing the country.
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC)
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) announced the tariff increase on its official X handle, @EKEDP. The new tariff, rising from N206.80 to N209.50kW/h, takes effect from July 1, 2024. EKEDC assured customers that the increase comes with a commitment to maintain a minimum power supply of 20 hours daily under the Service Tariff.
Ikeja Electric
Following EKEDC’s announcement, Ikeja Electric issued a similar notice to its customers. They emphasized that the increase is part of a service-based tariff regime and noted that the tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E would remain unchanged.
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC)
IBEDC also announced an upward review of tariffs, approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Company (NERC) as part of the multi-year tariff supplementary order. The company cited economic factors such as exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, generation capacity, and gas costs as reasons for the increase. IBEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Francis Agoha, acknowledged customer concerns but stressed that the adjustment is necessary to maintain and improve service quality.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)
Though AEDC did not announce a new tariff increase, it recently faced a ₦200 million fine from NERC for violating the New Tariff Order. NERC found that AEDC had improperly applied new tariffs to all customer bands and ordered the company to refund overbilled customers in Bands B, C, D, and E.
Customer Reactions
The announcement has generated significant outrage online, with many electricity consumers criticizing the distribution companies. Customers expressed frustration over the increment, condemning the service provided by the distribution companies
@ChAAley10 said, “Your service to one day av, along Isuti in Igando Lagos, has been poor for more than 8 weeks, and till this very hour there’s no actio
n taken to restore power supply to this area mentioned. This is getting out of hand and residents have spent a lot on fueling generators”
“If this is not madness pls tell me what I can call it. 1-u guys haven’t updated ur infrastructure in years, they are obsolete. 2-u haven’t increased power generation 3-u can’t justify 4hr difference btw Band A & B 4-u have increased it d 2nd time, & no light for 24 hrs,” @IamOAR lashed out.
“Even when they announced #206.6kw/h tariff, it was a big lie, the cost was #222.2kw/h. The electricity distribution companies are liars, lying to the public”, @Dt_bello1 wrote.
Bottom Line
The recent tariff increases for Band A electricity customers by multiple distribution companies have sparked widespread frustration and backlash.
While the companies argue that the hikes are necessary to cover rising operational costs and improve service quality, customers remain skeptical and concerned about the financial burden.
The ongoing discontent highlights the need for transparent and fair billing practices, as well as improvements in service delivery, to justify the increased tariffs.
