Aba Power Maintains Lowest Electricity Tariff Despite Nationwide Increase

Aba Power Maintains Lowest Electricity Tariff Despite Nationwide Increase

Aba Power continues to offer the lowest electricity tariff among Nigeria’s 12 distribution companies, even after the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a 50% tariff increase effective January 1, 2025. This update was shared by the Southeastern Zone of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) following their New Year meeting at Trigpoint International Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.

In a statement released after the meeting, ECAN noted that NERC approved a 50% increase for Aba Power’s Band A tariff from N117 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Despite this hike, Aba Power’s rates remain considerably lower than those of other distribution companies, which charge a minimum of N209.80 per kWh, with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) charging N230 per kWh.

“This means that Aba Power still charges far the lowest in Nigeria,” the statement read, signed by the zonal chairman, Engineer Joe Ubani, and the secretary, Comrade Chris Okpara.

The association praised Aba Power for its resilience and commitment to service despite numerous challenges over the years. “For a company that went through hell for 20 years owing to deliberate man-made obstacles and was commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, it is hoped that the adjustment will enable it to weather the economic storm of charging its customers in naira for supplies while all its machines and equipment are paid for in dollars, like its expatriate staff,” ECAN remarked.

Aba Power was also commended for its significant improvements in electricity supply to the Aba Ring Fence, which includes nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in Abia State. ECAN noted that there has been consistent power supply in many areas since December 16.

“We are very delighted that there has been not a second blackout in many places since December 16 when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its partner, Heirs Energies, resumed gas supply to the 18-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Abia,” ECAN highlighted. The plant is connected to the Oil Mining Licence (OML) 17 in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area, through a 27-kilometre gas pipeline.

The power supply was briefly disrupted for two weeks due to punctures in the Rivers State section of the Eastern Gas Gas Network, but normalcy has since been restored.

Looking ahead, ECAN expressed confidence that the situation will further improve. “We are confident that by the time gas supply improves soon, Geometric Power will be able to run its two other General Electric (GE) turbines already installed at the site. This will enable the company to export excess electricity to other parts of the country, thereby contributing to the availability of more power across our beloved nation,” the association stated.

Overall, ECAN’s endorsement of Aba Power underscores the company’s critical role in ensuring affordable and reliable electricity supply in the Southeast region. GMTNewsng