DISCOs begin implementation of increase in electricity tariff

The Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria has secretly commenced the implementation of the two Naira increase in electricity tariff in the country. The DISCOs had earlier denied intention to hike tariff rate, denying the previous decision for a new tariff regime to take effect from September 1, 2021.

Several vendors were gathered to be currently selling at the increased rate of N2. It was revealed that Band A, which previously sold at N49.75 per unit – cumulatively provides 18.7 units per N1000 – currently sells at N51.75 per unit – 18 units for N1000 cumulatively.

It was revealed that the tariff rate chart being handed to vendors or research depots handlers, indicates the new tariff regime as follows:

NEW TARIFF RATES!
at September 11, 2021
Current billing:
Band A @51.75 per Unit = (18 Units/N1000)
Before
Band A @49.75 per Unit = (18.7 Units/N1000)
Current billing
Band B @49.72 per Unit (18.7 Units/N1000)
Before
Band B @47.72 (19.5 Units/N1000)
Current billing
Band C @45.65 per Unit (20.4 Units/N1000)
Before
Band C @43.65 per Unit (21.3 Units/N1000)
Current billing
Band D @28.3 per Unit (32.9 Units/N1000)
Before
Band D @26.3 per Unit (35.4 Units/N1000)
Current billing
Band E @28.3 per Unit (32.9 Units/N1000)
Before
Band E @26.3 per Unit (35.4 Units/N1000)

The new tariff regime has been an issue of controversy across the country. Some citizens have been calling for the scraping of the DISCOs which they identified to be merely exploiting electricity consumers in the country with unnecessary price increases without satisfactory service delivery.