By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, Ikeja Electric Plc, has announced the downward review of energy tariff for its Band A customers.
Energy consumers on the Band A feeders are guaranteed at least 20 hours of power supply per day and are charged higher than the other customers on Band B to E.
Recall that on April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased the tariff for premium consumers to N225 per kilowatt hour from N68/kwh.
This development sparked outrage in the country, as Nigerians said it was wrong to raise the tariff and segregate customers based on hours of energy supply.
The government defended its action, noting that it was to allow the DisCos to generate more revenue to invest in infrastructure to improve service delivery.
On Monday, May 6, 2024, Ikeja Electric said it had slashed the tariff for its premium customers by N18.20 or 8.09 per cent to N206.80/kwh from N225.00/kwh.
“Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective May 6, 2024, with guaranteed availability of 20 to 24 hours supply daily.
“The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged,” the statement signed by the management of the firm said.
The reduction in electric tariff by Ikeja Electric comes after a court directed DisCos to suspend the latest hike in electricity tariff.