Re- TARRIF INCREASE AND CAPPING METHODOLOGY

We received the news of tarrif increase with utmost surprise and mix feelings. As much as we may not be unaware as to reasons adduced for the increase , we still believe that such increase ought not to take place at this economic trying period of Consumers.

With notices seen issues by all DISCOS to the effect that effective from July 1st, 2020 the implemention of the so-called increment shall take service effect, it’s disheartening to see that DISCOS will not waste time at doing this just because it favours their operational business but will not as much give pubilicity to any NERC order that shifted towards consumers relief rather they will do all in their power to suppress, manipulate and whimsically disobeyed it.

It will be recalled that even though, the NERC order 197/2020 indicates in Paragraph A of the order that Estimated billing has been repealed and replaced with capping order with attendant capping templates to DISCOS as to the maximum kwh a customer without meter in R2S, R2T and C1 should be charged, many DISCOS have flagrantly disregard the usage which led to unprecedented astronomical increase since.

All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum,will not watch as these oppressive moves linger to further weaken the purchasing power of consumers.

We therefore demand that as they implement the increase in tarrif in July 1st, 2020, the capping methodology approved by same NERC who empowered the Discos to implement tarrif increment must be obeyed in full and spirit of that order on capping.

We reiterate our resolve to stand by the consumers to fight this Injustice usually melt to the customers by DISCOS and other stakeholders in the power sector to selectively obey the regulatory body order and directive contrary to section 63 (1&3) of the power sector reform act 2005.

Our resolve first and foremost is to engage the various DISCOS and demand equitable approach and if our dialogue approach fail to yield the desired results, we will have no option than to approach the court of competent jurisdictions for appropriate actions against them on this matter .

We also call on Nigerian Regulatory Commmision (NERC) to be alert to their monitoring and regulatory power, be more proactive as to making sure no stakeholder of NESI become subservient to one another, the Consumers who remain at the receiving end each time such moves are made albeit helplessly in contravention of section 32(2) of power sector reform act, 2005 which ensured that NERC play the role of an umpire without sentiment and with no detriment to other members of power sector players

Thanks

Signed
Gideon O. Balogun
National PRO.