By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Consumer advocacy groups have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as a widening gap between the high cost of electricity and the actual power supply Nigerians receive, accusing distribution companies of charging premium rates without delivering the promised service.
According to them, many Nigerians say they are paying more for electricity but getting far less in return, especially those on Band A, who are meant to enjoy near round-the-clock power.
The concerns were outlined in a joint statement by Daniel Nduka Okonkwo (Profiles International Human Rights Advocate), and Tony Christian (SubNews Empowerment Foundation) in Abuja on Monday.
Under the Service-Based Tariff introduced in November 2020, Band A customers are expected to receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, measured as an average over one week.
But the groups said that from October 2025 to now, reports from cities such as Lagos and Abuja show many consumers are getting only a few hours of supply despite being billed at the higher Band A rate.
“Consumers are paying for a premium service that is simply not being delivered. This is not just a service failure; it is a breach of trust and regulatory obligation,” the statement said.
The groups noted that tariffs for Band A customers rose sharply to about ₦225 per kilowatt-hour following a 2024 adjustment, more than three times the previous rate of ₦66 per kilowatt-hour.
Although Band A customers make up about 15 per cent of users, they account for roughly 40 per cent of electricity consumption and do not receive government subsidies.
They said the rules guiding the tariff system are clear: where electricity supply falls short, distribution companies are required to act—either by downgrading affected feeders or compensating customers.
“The guidelines are clear. If DisCos fail to meet the 20-hour supply requirement, customers must be downgraded or compensated accordingly. Unfortunately, enforcement has been weak, leaving consumers to bear the brunt,” the groups stated.
Despite these provisions, the groups alleged that enforcement is rarely carried out. Measures such as feeder downgrades, service credits, and public explanations for supply failures are often ignored, while consumer complaints go unresolved.
They also raised concerns about what they described as the arbitrary movement of customers into Band A without due process. According to existing regulations, such changes require approval and advance notice to affected consumers.
“Non-compliance with these safeguards places an undue financial burden on households and businesses already grappling with economic pressures,” the groups said.
Beyond the tariff issue, the organisations warned that prioritising Band A feeders over others could widen inequality in electricity distribution, leaving customers in Bands B to E with even less access to power.
They called on the Minister of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to step in and enforce existing rules, ensure transparency, and hold distribution companies accountable.
The groups said their intervention is aimed at promoting fairness, restoring trust, and improving electricity service delivery across the country.
Article Consumers pay high tariffs for poor power supply — Groups allege Live On NgGossips.
