Discos deny plans for electricity tariff hike on january 1, cite lack of NERC directive

The power distribution companies (Discos) have strongly refuted recent reports suggesting an imminent electricity tariff hike starting from January 1, 2024. These reports claimed that Discos were planning to increase electricity tariffs, but the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive for such a move.

The rumors were not confirmed by either NERC or the Federal Ministry of Power. When contacted, officials from three Discos and NERC categorically denied the reports and emphasized the absence of any official directive for a tariff hike.

Adekole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications at Jos Electricity Distribution Company, stated that they had not received any directive or order regarding a tariff increase, and the rumored move had not been confirmed. He emphasized that until an official directive was received, any talk of a tariff hike remained a rumor.

Emeka Ezeh, the Head of Communications at Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, explained that for any tariff increase to happen, there must be a directive from NERC. As of the moment, he had not seen any order or received any directive on a tariff hike, affirming that without NERC’s approval, a Disco could not implement such a change.