NERC calls for restraint among consumers

Dr Anthony Akah, Acting Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on Tuesday called for restraint among electricity consumers on the new tariff increment by the commission.

Making the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Akah said there are multiple court cases over the new tariff increase.

He advised consumers to exercise patience until the courts give their final verdict on the cases. He said the commission would not be hasty to do anything now until all the cases had been settled.

NAN recalls that protests trailed the new electricity tariff increment approved by NERC on Feb. 1. NAN also recalls that Mr Toluwani Adebiyi last year in a Federal High Court in Lagos sought for a perpetual injunction restraining NERC from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff.

The court on Feb. 15 ordered the Federal Government, NERC and the distribution companies to revert to the old tariff.Akah explained that there were several processes through which the commission resolve issues that affect individuals or persons.

According to him, if any person has a complaint against the NERC or organisations in the sector, he can write to the commission and this will be resolved through public hearing.

He explained that the essence of establishing the commission was to better the lots of electricity consumers, adding that the commission will not do anything inimical to its customers.

Akah called on all parties involved in the tariff issue to join hands with the commission to build a better and robust power sector, noting that consultation could solve many problems.

He also attributed the tariff hike to the exchange of about N400 to a Dollar."So everything is now very expensive and many materials used in the sector are expensive and imported,’’ he said.