NERC not playing its role as a regulator-Madunagwu

Electricity generation and transmission are a mirage in Nigeria. The electricity distribution companies known as discos have quietly and surreptitiously increased the Tariff payable by power consumers across the country naturally.

Electricity consumers in the country alleged that some distribution companies (DisCos) have secretly adjusted electricity tariff.

Consumers have kicked against this move describing it as perfect robbery.

Reacting to this development Publisher, Metro star, Emeka Madunagwu said it is not enough to just kick.

He said with the way NERC, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission has been conducting itself, it doesn’t give Nigerians hope that the commission is for Nigerians.

“NERC is behaving more like an ally of the Discos rather than playing its role as a regulator in the interest of the consumers.

“There is little hope in NERC from what we see.

“How many of the Discos have actually invested money in upgrading their equipment in their areas of operation.

“Even if subsidy has been finally removed, how are you sure that the Discos themselves will not also bring up charges in different ways just like what we see in the banks.

“They are also not prepared to end estimated billing.

“NERC is doing little to nothing except increment without the corresponding improvement in the services offered by this Discos.

Publisher, Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo said a lot of Nigerians believe businesses that belong to government should be perpetually subsidized which is a wrong approach to business.

He said the moment there is no alternative to what you are running, what you get is what you get.

Mr Oladipo added that most Nigerians don’t even report activities to NERC.

According to him, these are the reality on ground so if the Discos are saying to you that we are running this business at a loss, it is no longer government that owns it, so you have options, which is to go solar.

Speaking further Mr Madunagwu said Nigeria is currently supplying electricity to two countries but under certain agreements.

According to him, certain African countries will want to exploit the ‘Big Brother’ role that Nigeria plays, adding that it is time, it sheds that weight as the country has its own internal problems weighing heavily on her shoulders.

He added that beyond what is currently happening, the discos are complaining of operating at a loss.

He said why would Discos continue to hang on to a business where some of the management staff have been sacked.

Mr Madunagwu noted that there must be a breaking point as Nigerians cannot continue to suffer.