Band C, D, and E consumers raise groan over low power supply

Electricity consumers categorised under Band C, D and E have decried the sudden reduction in power supply after the increase in tariff for those under Band A feeders. Band A customers receive 20 to 24 hours of electricity supply daily; B, 16 to 20 hours; B and C, 12 to 16 hours; D, 8 to 12 hours; B and E, four to eight hours. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had, on April 3, announced an increase in tariff for customers in Band A from N68 per kilowatt watt hour to N225 to allow a cost-reflective tariff while the distribution companies (DisCos) to provide a premium of 20 to 24 hours of electricity. DisCos had struggled to sustain the 20-hour minimum supply leading to over 37 apologies from DisCos for its shortfall. Some of the DisCos blamed technical faults on the Transmission Company of Nigeria. Sources said that the DisCos now prioritize Band A customers to avoid sanctions by the NERC. The situation is further compounded by low electricity generation, forcing DisCos to ration 3,265 megawatts as of 3:49 pm yesterday. Abuja Disco got the highest allocation of 611mw followed by Ikeja Disco, 603mw; Eko Disco, 513mw; Ibadan Disco, 329mw; Benin Disco, 223mw; Enugu Disco, 197mw; Port Harcourt Disco, 195mw; Kano Disco, 184mw; Kaduna Disco, 177mw; Jos Disco, 155mw and Yola Disco, 78mw.