By Aaron Ossai
Amidst condemnations that had trailed the recent hike in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the House of Representatives Committee on Power has rejected the increase and called for immediate reversal.
Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo stated this during an interactive meeting with the management of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC where lawmakers expressed displeasure that electricity generation and distribution is being poorly managed by the sector players.
He said that the increase in electricity charges as announced by the Distribution Companies, DisCos in the power sector is not commensurate with the services being rendered by the service providers in the power sector.
According to him, the concerns expressed by electricity consumers in the country is that estimated bills are being given even when the power is not there, noting that the power sector is getting closer to a situation where the gas to power the energy sector is not there.
On his part, another member of the Committee, Hon. Markus Onobun Izigbeanya said that the Electricity Distribution Companies are not doing enough to ensure that the people get 24 hours electricity supply.
In his contribution, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka asked if the Electricity Distribution Companies are providing the needed buffer for the end users of electricity in case there is any system collapse in the power sector.
Other members of the Committee as Hon. Dagomie Abiante and Hon. Amobi Ogar also spoke against the recent announcement of increase in electricity tariff by the NERC.
Hon. Ogar who said that he out rightly rejects the increase in electricity tariff also moved a motion that the tariff increase be immediately suspended by the agency.
In his response, the NERC Chairman, Engr. Sanusi Garba said that the Commission is working to ensure that there is steady supply of electricity to cities and villages throughout the country through a coordinated energy sector master plan.
The Committee thereafter resolved to continue to engage with the power sector stakeholders to ensure that the recent announcement of increase in electricity tariff by the NERC and the Distribution Companies is reversed in the interest of Nigerians.
