Consumers applaud Aba Power for not raising tariff like Disco suppliers
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Aba Power Electric (APEL) has been applauded by the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) for retaining its 2023 tariff despite the increase power Distribution Companies (DisCos) introduced for Band A customers on April 3.
APEL, a private facility, covers nine out of the 17 council areas of Abia which have reportedly been getting power supply 24/7 since the plant was inaugurated in April, something never experienced in any other part of Nigeria, not even in Lagos, the fabled richest state where residents are over-taxed without commensurate social provision.
The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved the Disco tariff hike from N68 per kilowatt hour (kWh) to N225 kWh, which was reduced to N206.80 per kwh last week but has not stopped the national outcry that greeted the increase amid general hardship in the land.
ECAN said by not raising its own tariff, APEL has shown consideration for its customers, especially manufacturers facing various challenges.
“Only a firm with a high sense of corporate social responsibility can have such consideration. Though Aba Power Electricity (APEL) Limited began commercial operations only in September 2022, its business model has become exemplary,” ECAN stressed in a statement jointly issued by its South East Chairman Joe Ubani and Secretary Chris Opara.
“For a new DisCo to continue with the 2023 rate for all customers the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a new significant tariff regime, despite the economic vicissitudes Nigeria has been going through, is nothing short of extraordinary patriotism and deserves commendation by all and sundry.”
ECAN said APEL took the decision despite the challenges it faced in the 20 years it took it to complete a three-year project because of “enormous vested interests.”
It added: “Yet, the utility has the presence of mind to consider the interests of industrialists so that they can pass the benefits to the Nigerian people in these trying times. The cost being borne by APEL for continuing with the old tariff is enormous, and this is immensely sacrificial.”
ECAN also commended APEL for its swift response to allegations of its purported staff extorting money from customers to bypass meters or make meters capture only a fraction of energy consumed.
“We are satisfied that the ongoing investigation is thorough, and the suspects are not really on the payroll of APEL, but may be working for various firms contracted to install some 200,000 prepaid smart meters free of charge in nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State serviced by Aba Power.”
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