FG to Impose Sanctions on Discos if Band A Customers Receive Less Than 20 Hours of Electricity Supply

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has emphasized that the Nigerian government (FG) will take punitive measures against electricity distribution companies (DisCos) that do not provide a minimum of 20 hours of electricity to customers categorized under Band A.

Adelabu made this declaration during an announcement on Tuesday, as reported by X.

He clarified that the recent increase in tariff rates specifically targets consumers falling within the Band A classification, who receive a minimum of 20 hours of power supply.

It is worth recalling that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) implemented a tariff hike for customers in the Band A category, raising the rate to N225 per kilowatt-hour from the previous N66/kWh, which has sparked considerable discontent among Nigerians.

Highlighting key aspects of the tariff adjustment reform, Adelabu pointed out:

– “The Federal Government is projected to save N1.5 trillion through tariff adjustments.
– “The Federal Government continues to subsidize customers falling below the Band A category.
– “The alterations in pricing are expected to enhance liquidity within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
– “DisCos failing to provide a minimum of 20 hours of electricity to Band A customers will face sanctions.”

However, the nature of these sanctions was not explicitly specified.

In the midst of these developments, the Nigerian Society of Engineers has urged NERC to impose stringent penalties on DisCos failing to meet the 20-hour power supply requirement for Band A customers.