By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Management of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has assured that the newly approved revised tariffs would push down subsidy payment for the 2024 fiscal year by N1.14 trillion.
NERC gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday to clarify the tariff adjustment earlier announced for Band A customers, following the Federal Government’s realignment of the subsidy regime.
Currently, the Federal Government needs over N2 trillion for payment of subsidies but captured only N450 billion in the 2024 budget for that purpose, thus calling for cost-reflective tariffs.
This is in addition to the huge sector debt of about N3 trillion owed the generation companies and gas suppliers.
While explaining the decision for the tariff review, the Commission noted that pursuant to the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, it is mandated to allow a licensee operating in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI”) to charge a rate sufficient to recover the full cost of its efficient operation including a reasonable return on the capital invested in the business.
NERC said, the determination of such rates is subject to extensive reviews, having regard to the imperative for protecting customers while allowing investors to recover sufficient revenue to incentivize investments necessary for continuous improvement in service delivery.
It said, the government has indicated a transition in policy direction towards introducing a more targeted subsidy regime aimed at mitigating the impact of changes in macroeconomic parameters while largely protecting vulnerable customers and fostering investments targeted at providing efficient service delivery in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The Commission said, it conducted a thorough review of the tariff applications submitted by the eleven (11) successor electricity distribution companies in line with the processes established in its regulations and Business Rules.
The review process, according to NERC, was preceded by an analysis of the Performance Improvement Plans of the licensees and included a public hearing during which interested stakeholders and intervenors examined the rate filing submitted by the public utilities.
“The overarching objective of the Commission in the consideration of the tariff application is the creation of a financially sustainable electricity market providing adequate and reliable power supply to drive the Nigerian economy.
“The Commission, upon due consideration of the tariff applications, has approved revised rates affecting ONLY customers classified under Band A service category (about 15% of the customer population); empirical service data has confirmed that this class of customers have truly received the committed level of service.
“Under the revised tariff Order issued by the Commission, DisCos are under an obligation to provide customers classified under Band A service category a minimum average supply of 20hrs/day measured over a period of one week.
All other customers under Band B to E service category and representing 85% of the customers’ population would not be affected by the current review of end-user tariffs”, it said.
NERC further stated that all DisCos have been provided with mandatory targets for investments and migration of more customers to Band A service category.
It said, it has established a robust monitoring framework leveraging technology to ensure that the public has visibility of the service covenant with their service providers. An enforcement and compensation mechanism has also been established, in the event of service failure.
“We wish to assure all Nigerians that the Commission working in collaboration with the policymakers remains committed towards providing adequate and reliable electricity to all citizens as we work diligently with state governments to deliver on the gains of the Electricity Act 2023”, NERC said.
