MIXED reactions have greeted the new electricity tariff in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Some consumers who spoke with The Guardian in the State were visibly angry over the hike, saying it was unfair and further move to exploit the citizens who are still battling with the epileptic supply.
While querying the rationale behind the increase when there is no significant improvement on supply across the country, the residents accused the Discos of insensitivity.
Speaking on the development, a wielder whose shop is located along Aluu road, Mr. Sinebari Peters said he spends N5,000 weekly to fuel his generator, stressing that the DISCOs cannot impose such unjustifiable tariff on Nigerians.
He said, “ Let first things be done first. Let there be improvement on supply, let the consumers be adequately metered with the prepaid meters as in all other parts of the world. Thereafter, we can consider any form of upward review in tariff. But any attempt to sustain the February 1 date of new tariff regime will be nothing but a rip-off”.
Also, Kenneth Ibeh, a civil servant expressed shock and complained that there was no ample enlightenment on the development.
For Miss Gladys Ihunna, who runs a hairdressing saloon, the timing is very wrong and unjust.
“Despite the fact that Nigerians are faced with economic challenges, the power supply which increased a little few months ago has become worse. In my area, we have not seen light for about three weeks now, so what is the justification for the increase”.
But Emmanuel Johnson, said, he wouldn’t mind the increase, if the supply will improve.
However, an energy expert, David Gladstone, said the increase was unnecessary, as the consumers have been paying high for services not rendered.
While briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on the tariff increment last week, one of the senior officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), Miss Nancy Abdala said, the tariff increase was not about PHED but the entire electricity distribution process.
“Tariff here is not just about PHED but about the entire industry. As a distribution company we purchase energy from GENCOS and pay TCN to transmit to us as PHED and then we deliver electricity to consumers.
“The problem we have is that the gas suppliers are not being paid. When the customers pay all part of the distribution chain will be paid and service will improve. We have 11 distribution companies.”
She further enjoined consumers to ensure they got their meters so they could switch away from fixed charges and only pay for what they consume.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, (PHED), Mr. Jay Alan McCoskey said, the failure to pay electricity bills was affecting the whole chain of electricity distribution in the country.
He said with removal of fixed charges customers will now be in control of their bill, choosing when to consume electricity.
Meanwhile, the organised labour in the State has planned a mass protest in the State on Monday against the proposed increment of electricity tariff.
The State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Chika Onuegbu told The Guardian that the national body has issued a directive to carry out the planned protest at the various offices of Discos in the State, adding that the Union regard the increase as illegal, unfair, unjustifiable and further exploitation of the already exploited Nigerians.
