By Williams Anuku, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally ordered electricity distribution companies to suspend for two weeks the hike in electricity tariffs, which was implemented on September 1, 2020, nationwide.
This followed the agreement between the Federal Government and the main labour unions – NLC and TUC, part of which led to the suspension of Monday’s nationwide strike to protest the increment as well as hike in the price of petrol due to the cancellation of the controversial subsidy regime.
Titled “NERC Order on suspension of the Multi-Year Tariff Order 2020 for the electricity distribution licensees”, the directive said: “This order shall take effect from 28th September 2020 and shall cease to have effect on the 11th October 2020.”
According to the order jointly signed by NERC Chairman, James Momoh, and the Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, tariffs for the period under the suspension shall be calculated based on rates applicable as of August 31, 2020.