Nigerians across the country are expressing profound dismay following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to significantly increase electricity tariffs for customers falling under the Band A classification.
The move, announced by NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musliu Oseni, on Wednesday, outlines a sharp rise from the current rate of N66 per kilowatt-hour (KW/h) to N225.
Band A customers, who enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply for 20-24 hours daily, are particularly affected by this tariff hike. The classification system delineates electricity supply durations, with Band B receiving 16 to 20 hours, Band C 12 to 16 hours, Band D eight to 12 hours, and Band E four to eight hours daily.
In response to the widespread concern, Quicktell News has provided a comprehensive guide on how customers can ascertain their feeder band classification through the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company’s website:
- Visit https://www.abujaelectricity.com
- Navigate to the customer service section
- Select “Customer feeder information”
- Click on “Customer feeder verification”
- Enter your account or meter number for verification
Criticism has also been directed at the government, notably President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, from two former federal lawmakers, Senator Andrew Uchendu and Honourable Dachung Bagos. The duo voiced their opposition during an interview on Channels TV Politics Today, citing the inopportune timing of the electricity tariff hike amid existing hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies.
The concurrent removal of petroleum subsidies, coupled with the timing of the electricity tariff increase, is feared to intensify the burden on Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.
The unfolding situation underscores the pressing need for equitable and sustainable solutions to address the country’s energy sector woes while mitigating the impact on citizens’ livelihoods.
