Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the country have approached the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for tariff increase.

Condemnation had greeted the proposed increase in electricity tariff by 40 per cent since the news hit the airwave, with stakeholders arguing that the timing of the increment was wrong, given the poor service delivery of most of the electricity distribution companies.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), in a statement in June, said there would be an upward review of electricity tariff from July 1, 2023, noting that the tariff increase was influenced by the fluctuating exchange rate.

The AEDC later backtracked, urging its customers to disregard the planned tariff increase.

However, the 11 DisCos, in a statement on Friday, July 14, hinged the tariff increase on the need to ensure the electricity rate is in sync with current macroeconomic dynamics.

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The NERC also called on Nigerians to add their comments to the rate review applications filed by the DisCos.

It said: “Accordingly, the Commission hereby invites the general public for comments on the rate review applications by the distribution licensees.

“Interested stakeholders are advised to review and take into consideration the excerpts of the Rate Review Applications filed with the Commission by the respective licensees. The applications can be accessed on the Commission’s website at www.nerc.gov.ng.”

The commission added that it would conduct a rate case hearing and extend participation to members of the public who are interested.

The NERC said: “As part of the rule-making process and in the exercise of the powers conferred by the Electricity Act, the Commission shall conduct a Rate Case Hearing on the applications prior to making a ruling.

“Any person wishing to participate in the proceedings as an intervenor should forward his/her application to tariff@nerc.gov.ng before the close of business on 20th July 2023.”

The Star