Some electricity consumers on Tuesday kicked against the proposed increase of electricity tariff by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company- KAEDCO.
The consumers made their views known at a public hearing on an application made by the KAEDCO to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for a review of tariff.
The public hearing had the theme investment towards improvement of power supply and quality services in the Nigerian Electricity supply industry.
Malam Buba Umar- Yazah from Kwaru area of Kaduna said he was not in support of the proposed increase in electricity tariff due to lack of steady power supply.
For Mrs. Maryam Madami, the issue of over billing by the Electricity Distribution Company must be addressed before any move to review the tariff.
Mr. Banjo Adewale on his part said, the proposed increase was high considering the economic situation in the country.
He urged KAEDCO to propose a minimal increase that would be affordable and also provide more transformers for communities with too much load.
Earlier, Vice Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engineer Sanusi Garba, confirmed that the commission was in Kaduna to listen to both the Distribution Company and consumers on the proposed tariff review.
He noted that the commission was created to regulate electricity and protect consumers adding that decision would be made in March on comments made by consumers in view of KAEDCO’s application.
Managing Director, Kaduna Electric, Engineer Garba Haruna said the decision of the Company was based on increase in tariffs by gas producers, generation and transmission companies.
Usman Sani
