Reps urge DisCos to waive Band A tariff for public tertiary institutions

The House of Representatives has called on Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to stop charging public tertiary institutions the Band A tariff, following a motion sponsored by Abubakar Fulata from Jigawa State.

This decision was made during a plenary session on Thursday, amidst growing concerns over the recent electricity tariff hike.

In April, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a significant increase in electricity tariff for Band A customers, from N66 to N209 per kilowatt-hour. This hike has sparked widespread outrage and demands for reversal.

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Fulata emphasized that public institutions offer education at minimal charges, and most students have resisted attempts to increase fees.

The tariff hike has resulted in power cuts, throwing institutions into darkness, putting equipment and security at risk, and leading to student riots and closures.

“If immediate measures are not taken to restore power supply and make electricity affordable in public institutions, the institutions will be forced to increase fees to meet up with current electricity costs and other bills,” Fulata warned. “This would likely stir up violent resistance that may spell grave danger to the country.”

Tariff Categories

Customers are categorized into five bands based on daily electricity supply:

– Band A: 20 hours/day
– Band B: 16 hours/day
– Band C: 12 hours/day
– Band D: 8 hours/day
– Band E: 4 hours/day

The House of Representatives has urged DisCos to restore power supply to affected institutions and make electricity affordable.

The motion was adopted when it was put to voice by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker.

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