House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to halt the implementation of the recently announced increase in electricity tariff.
Consequently, the House yesterday set up a special committee comprising the Committees on Power, Commerce, Delegated Legislation, and National Planning to organise a well-structured hearing on the price regulation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
It also resolved to appoint a well-regarded former regulator as a technical consultant to develop templates for the determination of the legality and reasonableness of the procedures adopted by NERC in approving the tariff increase and establishing the performance benchmarks for the Discos.
The lawmakers also resolved to authorise the consultant to work with the special committee to draft a bill to provide for administrative procedures that entrench proper consultation and legislative review processes for tariff setting in the electricity and other public services in the country.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance moved by Hon. Nkemkanma Kama from Ebonyi State at plenary yesterday.
In the motion, Kama lamented the alarming tariff increase announced by the NERC, resulting in a staggering 300 percent rise for certain consumers.
“However, what is more concerning are the reports indicating discrepancies in customer categorisation and widespread complaints regarding inadequate service despite increased charges.
“This situation has not just sparked national anxiety, but it also threatens regulatory certainty and investor confidence in the sector, demanding immediate attention,” he said.
