The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has signaled a potential electricity tariff hike to enhance power supply and service quality nationwide.
NERC shared this update via a post on its official X platform on Monday, reassuring customers that the adjustment focuses on elevating service levels without compromising protections for users. It criticized the current uniform billing model for failing consumers with inconsistent supply, following 2024 hikes for Band A users from N68 to around N210/kWh, which drew complaints over poor service matching higher costs.
While no specific new rates were revealed, the commission emphasized that people are entitled to reliable service and clear details on any changes, with commitments against surprise fees or unannounced service cuts.
“We’re adjusting electricity rates to better serve you and enhance daily living, while guaranteeing your rights remain safeguarded at all times,” NERC declared.
NERC is also pushing for reliable and cost-effective power access, tackling issues in the existing billing framework and erratic supply.
The commission also pointed out flaws in the uniform billing approach, especially for customers facing unreliable electricity provision. This announcement arrives against a backdrop of rising worries about soaring power costs and ongoing grievances over subpar supply, even after prior rate hikes.
Back in April 2024, NERC green lit a significant rate surge for Band A users, lifting charges from roughly N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225 per kilowatt-hour for those getting 20+ hours of daily supply.
The change impacted about 15% of national customers, followed by a minor reduction to around N206.80/kWh in May 2024, and slight further upticks by some distributors to about N209.50/kWh by July that year. Still, numerous users persist in voicing frustration that supply quality and hours fail to justify the elevated prices.
