By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has hinted at a possible increase in electricity tariffs as part of efforts to improve power supply and service delivery across the country.
NERC disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, assuring consumers that the proposed review would not involve “hidden pricing” or arbitrary disconnections.
According to the commission, the planned tariff adjustment is aimed at improving the quality of electricity supply while ensuring that consumers continue to enjoy protection of their rights.
“You deserve satisfaction and accurate information on the increase. There is no issue of hidden pricing or cutting off your power arbitrarily,” the statement read.
NERC added that it was working to make electricity billing more transparent and customer-friendly.
“We are bringing the electricity tariff closer to you to improve your quality of life, and we assure you of continued protection of your rights every day,” the commission stated.
The regulator further said it remains committed to ensuring access to quality and affordable electricity while addressing challenges associated with the current payment system.
The development comes more than a year after NERC approved a major tariff increase for Band A customers in April 2024, raising electricity rates from about N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225/kWh. The increase affected customers enjoying at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
Following public backlash, the tariff was slightly reduced to N206.80/kWh in May 2024, before some electricity distribution companies adjusted it upward again to around N209.50/kWh in July 2024.
Despite the increases, many consumers have continued to complain about poor electricity supply and failure by distribution companies to meet the promised hours of power supply.
The latest indication of another possible tariff hike has already sparked concerns among Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with rising living costs and economic hardship.
