The latest news to storm Nigerians after a trying period this year is the increase in electricity tariff. As approved by the Regulator; the revised Service Reflective Tariff (SRT) would take electricity tariff plans a spike higher; resulting in fewer units for buying consumers.
SRT was meant to take effect from September 1st, 2020 but was suspended after the Federal Government, Labour Unions, and other stakeholders met to discuss concerns raised about the tariff increase. However, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved the tariff spike after a brief wait.
IKEDC leads the pack in tariff implementation
On Sunday, November 1st, 2020, Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) announced via Twitter that they would commence the implementation of the revised tariff immediately.
The DisCo said: “Under the SRT, the tariff classification is based on the quality of service and therefore, divided into 5 Bands (A-E).
“This is measured by the average availability of power supply over a month, interruptions (frequency and duration), voltage levels, and other service parameters.
“With the revised tariff regime, Non-MD customers in Band A, with a minimum of 20 hours daily will now pay N51.22/Kwh.
“Band B customers with a minimum of 16 hours daily will be charged N46.93/Kwh; while Band C customers with a minimum of 12 hours daily will be charged N37.95/Kwh.
“However, please note that customers in Bands D and E, with a minimum of eight hours and four hours per day, respectively, are not impacted by the tariff revision.”
According to the company; the SRT tariffs of the two bands have been frozen, and consequently, they will continue to be charged the old tariff prior to the introduction of the SRT.
The prepaid meter customers in Bands A to C, who vends from November 1st would be charged the new tariff. The same will be implemented for postpaid customers in these bands during the November billing cycle.
AEDC comes next
Similarly, Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) announced it will begin implementation of the increased electricity tariff with effect from the 1st of November too.
According to AEDC General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr Oyebode Fadipe, customers on the pre-paid platform will be the first to experience the revised tariff when they vend as from Sunday, November 1st.
“While the revised tariff will reflect in the bills for customers on the postpaid platform when they receive their electricity bills.
“The tariff is divided into five bands and based on hours of supply to the customers.
“While customers on bands D and E have their tariff frozen, those on bands A, B, and C will see some level of reduction in their tariff as they vend.
“The AEDC assures its customers that it will, in line with the spirit and letter of the service reflective tariff, ensure that all customers receive quality service,” he said.
He said that the AEDC was also committed to the improvement of service to customers in all its franchise area.
“We, however, appeal to customers to please see this tariff regime as an opportunity for them to join hands with AEDC to speed up the process of improving the quality of service in the Nigerian power sector.”
AEDC would release the table of payment for the new tariff soon.
Other electricity distribution companies are expected to start implementing the increase in electricity tariff soon as well.
Pay Electricity Bills on VTpass
While VTpass has no control over the number of allocated to customers, prices would remain the same on our platform (as determined by respective electricity distributors) unless otherwise changed.
To pay your electricity bills using VTpass, simply log on to vtpass.com/eletricity-bill or click here. It’s fast and easy; your meter token would be displayed on our platform as well as sent to you via mail and SMS.