After one week under the new electricity tariff regime, reports from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicate that over 20 percent of consumers in the Band A category do not have prepaid meters. This lack of meters could lead to these consumers being billed based on estimates, a practice criticized for its potential to manipulate and shortchange consumers.
Band A customers, who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily, are expected to have transparent billing processes. However, with the recent 230 percent tariff raise, their reliance on estimated billing becomes a concern, as the new rate stands at N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from N68 per kilowatt-hour.
To address this issue, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, Vice Chairman of NERC, has directed Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to prioritize the metering of Band A customers. However, many DisCos may be unable to immediately deploy meters due to their limited availability.
Affected consumers, particularly small businesses, are considering rejecting any estimated bills and are prepared to shut down if disconnected by DisCos for unpaid bills.
Additionally, following the electricity tariff hike, Organised Labour is planning to present a new minimum wage demand. The 300 percent increase in electricity tariffs has rendered their previous wage demand unrealistic, prompting them to adjust their demand to accommodate the new tariff hike.
