The Senate on Thursday described as unacceptable the recent 300 per cent increase in electricity tariff for Band A customers, vowing to review the policy on resumption from its current break.
The Red chamber is scheduled to resume plenary on Tuesday April 16 from Easter and Sallah break.
The upper chamber which promised not to abandon Nigerians at a time like this said its members are studying the situation ahead of its resumption.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday announced a 300 per cent hike in tariff paid by Band A consumers with immediate effect.
It said they are now to pay N225/kwh from N66.
According to NERC, Band A customers are those who enjoy 20-hour of electricity supply daily.
The NERC also revealed that customers under the Band A category represents 15 per cent of the about 12million electricity customers in Nigeria.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) spoke to reporters on Thursday.
He however said the red chamber would not abandon Nigerians at this critical moment.
Adaramodu said relevant Committees of the Senate are monitoring the situation closely and would take a position favourable to Nigerians on its resumption.
He said: “The relevant Senate Committees on Power are studying the situation.
“You know we are on recess now. When we resume, they will present their findings to the Senate at plenary. We won’t abandon Nigerians.”
Adaramodu added that the Senate would not show indifference to any policy that would add to the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
The Senate had in February this year rejected moves by the Ministry of Power to approve the proposed hike in tariff by the Electricity Distribution Companies.
The Senate also rejected plans to remove electricity subsidy given the present hardships in the country.
The Red Chamber also had directed its Committee on Power to investigate the N2trillion required for electricity subsidy payment, other debts owed in the sector and the state of metering in the country.
The Senate resolutions were sequel to its consideration and adoption of a motion moved by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP – Adamawa Central) during plenary on the need to retain subsidy on electricity in the country for the foreseeable future.
