By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The “Band A” billing plan as rolled out by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), will suffer a setback against the purpose of generating more revenue as staff of electricity companies will be the biggest enemy of the NERC policy.
Before now reports abound how staff of DisCos bypass meters for customers for a token, making the practice rampant among energy consumers.
Recall that the NERC on April 3, 2024 raised electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily.
Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification.
The increase will see the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N68, a development that has been heavily criticized by consumers.
However, the aim of the tariff hike could be compromised as more energy users will patronize DisCo’s erring staff who specializes in encouraging customers to bypass meters.
Speaking to pundits, our correspondent gathered that Nigerians have apathy to bill payments cutting corners to avert the responsibilities of picking their bills.
“Now that tariff is jacked up for Band A users, more ways to make illicit money has been created for DisCo bandits who will take the advantage to approach customers in the affected areas to bypass their meters”, a Nigerian who does not want his name on print said.
What is DisCos Doing to Avert This:
A chart with the Spokesman for the Jos Electricity Company (JED), Dr. Friday Elijah, revealed that the JED has launched a task-force that will apprehend and prosecute erring staff who are sabotaging the company.
Elijah said a mobile court for speedy trial has also been incorporated to ensure that bandit staff do not go unpunished.
He appealed to consumers not to patronize erring staff but to find ways to control their energy consumption so as to reduce their bill payment.
“Put off your appliances when leaving the house and when your refrigerator is blocked with ice, put them off as the ice will keep your refrigerated stuff fresh for some days.
“Also, get a charcoal cooking pot for boiling your water rather than using a boiling ring that consumes more energy”, Elijah advised.
