Power consumers were greatly relieved on Saturday when it was confirmed that electricity distribution companies had not implemented the proposed hike in the nationwide electricity tariff.
The announcement of the tariff increase had caused significant apprehension among consumers, as some power distribution firms had initially declared that the hike would take effect from July 1, 2023.
However, the distribution companies backtracked on their decision due to widespread criticism. They clarified that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission [NERC] had not yet approved the proposed tariff hike, leading to the suspension of its implementation.
The sudden change in plans created a sense of uncertainty among consumers, particularly those who used prepaid meters. Many rushed to purchase additional units, anticipating the possibility of higher tariffs being imposed.
Naturenews Correspondents spoke to some residents arround the country who have expressed a sigh of relief at the hike suspension.
“I rushed to buy more prepaid units for my meter when I heard about the proposed tariff hike. I didn’t want to be caught off guard and end up paying more. But I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about it now. It’s a weight off my shoulders.” – Michael Johnson, a Lagos resident said.
“Finally, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the electricity tariff hike has been suspended. It was causing a lot of anxiety among us, especially considering the rising costs of living. This decision brings some much-needed respite.” – John Don, another Lagos resident said.
“I was really worried about how the tariff increase would impact my monthly budget. I had already started considering ways to cut down on my electricity usage. But now, I’m glad that we don’t have to bear that burden. It’s a relief for sure.” – Jane Okorocha, an Abuja resident explained.
“It’s good to see that the concerns of the consumers were taken into account. This decision shows that our voices matter. We need affordable electricity to sustain our households, and this suspension gives us some hope for a better future.” – Aisha Ahmed, Kano resident expressed.
“The uncertainty was unsettling. I was dreading the impact of the tariff hike on my small business. But with the suspension, there’s a sense of relief. I hope that the authorities will work towards finding long-term solutions that balance the needs of consumers and the electricity sector.” – Ibrahim Hassan, Kaduna trader said.
Recall the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had strongly expressed their displeasure and opposition to the Electricity hike. They argue that the manufacturing sector is already uncompetitive due to high electricity generation costs and various other factors. Notably, they point out that over the last eight years of the previous administration, electricity tariffs have risen by a staggering 186%.
Otunba Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, highlighted recently in an interview that energy payments already consume 30% of industry revenues, significantly affecting the cost of doing business and hindering competitiveness. Meshioye emphasized that the manufacturers did not object to price adjustments in the past when they were agreed upon and fixed over a certain period. However, the recent increase occurred outside of the agreed timeframe, leading to arrears for manufacturers and creating a burdensome situation.
The MAN president described the tariff increase as outrageous and perceived it as a form of intimidation against their businesses. Meshioye expressed concern that power disconnections without proper justification had become a common practice, severely impacting manufacturing operations.
To address the imbalance, the MAN president proposed several solutions. Firstly, he suggested allocating special rates to manufacturing companies to alleviate the burden of the tariff increase.
Additionally, Meshioye called for the privatization of electrical distribution companies to enhance their ability to cope with the rising costs. He argued that this move would attract investors and foster competition in the sector.
Encouraging private sector investment was identified as a key factor in achieving a competitive supply value chain for electricity.
Meshioye emphasized the importance of efficient systems, encouraging competitiveness, and exploring alternative sources of power generation, such as utilizing gas.
He also stressed the need for adherence to agreed-upon roadmaps for tariff adjustments, urging the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to consult and follow the prescribed timelines.
Nonetheless, with the confirmation that the tariff increase had not been implemented, consumers experienced a wave of relief. This news brought reassurance that their electricity bills would remain unaffected, at least for the time being.
The incident underscores the importance of clear communication and proper regulatory processes in the electricity sector. The initial announcement of the tariff hike without the necessary approval caused unnecessary panic among consumers. It highlights the need for transparent and well-coordinated decision-making processes to prevent confusion and ensure that changes in tariffs are implemented in a fair and regulated manner.
While consumers can currently enjoy the relief of unchanged electricity tariffs, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the underlying issues in the sector and work towards a sustainable and balanced approach. This includes improving the efficiency of power distribution, exploring alternative sources of energy, and implementing reforms that promote affordability and competitiveness.