The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says increasing electricity tariffs is based on its “standard operations,” not on the level of poverty Nigerians are battling. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), Oyo chapter, has kicked against the proposed upward review of electricity tariff by NERC.

NERC set to commence increase on electricity tarriffs.

In a statement, the organization stated that: “The attention of CARE has been drawn to the news of the recent approval of a new hike in electricity tariff to a value between N42.44 and N58.94 per KWh,” said the group. “This depends on the respective class of the electricity consumers. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC has also reportedly issued a subsequent directive to all the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to commence the implementation of the new tariff from September 1.”

The group said it “rejects both the approval of the new tariff hike and the subsequent directive by the NERC.

It pointed out that “this tariff hike at a time when the mass of the Nigerian working people are still struggling to cope with the adverse effects of socio-economic dislocations” occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the pre-existing economic crisis “is inhuman.”