Consumers Express Frustration as DisCos Prioritize Band A Customers

Electricity consumers, primarily those classified under Bands C, D, and E, are lamenting a significant reduction in power supply following a tariff increase affecting those under Band A feeders.

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), customers under Band A receive 20 to 24 hours of electricity daily, while those under other bands receive varying amounts, with Band E customers receiving the least.

The tariff hike, announced by NERC on April 3, raised the rate for Band A and B customers substantially, aiming for a more cost-reflective tariff to ensure premium electricity service. However, distribution companies (DisCos) have struggled to maintain the promised 20-hour minimum supply, leading to numerous apologies from them.

Sources reveal that DisCos are now prioritizing Band A customers to avoid sanctions from NERC, exacerbating the situation for customers in other bands. Additionally, low electricity generation has forced DisCos to ration power, with only 3,265 megawatts available as of the latest data.

Customers Voice Discontent

Christy Emmanuel, a resident of Federal Housing in Lugbe, Abuja, expressed frustration, stating that despite being under Band C, they receive less than eight hours of electricity daily, mostly during inconvenient hours.

Similar complaints emerged from residents of various areas, including Life Camp and Galadimawa, where Damilola Akanbi and Abdullahi Ahmed highlighted significant power shortages despite their band classifications.

DisCos’ Prioritization Explained

An official from the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that DisCos are prioritizing Band A customers to avoid sanctions from NERC. The official attributed the situation to both regulatory pressure and low power generation.

TCN Denies Responsibility

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) refuted claims from DisCos blaming them for power shortages to Band A customers. General Manager Ndidi Mbah clarified that recent outages were due to factors outside TCN’s control, such as weather-related faults.

Experts Weigh In

Bode Fadipe, CEO of Sage Consulting & Communications, criticized DisCos’ decision, emphasizing the importance of serving all customer bands. Chinedu Amah, founder of Spark Nigeria, emphasized the need for improved service for all customers, regardless of band classification.

As consumers continue to grapple with inadequate power supply, stakeholders call for solutions that prioritize equitable service delivery across all bands.