The House of Representatives on Tuesday requested that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies, DISCOs, immediately rescind the pricing hike for Band A customers.
This resolution was obtained following the approval of a report submitted by the House Committee on Power.
Chairman of the Committee Victor Nwokolo, who presented the findings, argued that Nigerians cannot pay the increased tariffs.
The Committee advised returning to the status quo.
The Committee of the Whole adopted the suggestions, which were thereafter passed.
The House will conduct further research into the tariff hike.
Tariff Hike for Band A Customers
In April, the NERC announced a rise impacting Band A users, who will pay N225 per kilowatt.
According to the regulatory authority, Band A subscribers would enjoy at least 20 hours of electricity supply each day.
It further clarified that the increase would solely effect electricity customers in Band A.
It claimed at the time that the raise would affect only 15% of electricity consumers, but the decision has sparked harsh reactions since its release.
“We currently have 800 feeders classified as Band A, but this will be reduced to under 500. This means that 17% are now classified as Band-A feeders. On April 3, Musliu Oseni, NERC Vice Chairman, stated that these feeders only serve 15% of the total energy users connected to them.
“The commission has issued an order which is titled April supplementary order and the commission allows a 235 kilowatt per hour.”