Many electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory on Band A have appealed to the Federal Government to review the high tariff downwards amid the economic hardship.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Band A customers are those who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily and are expected to pay N209.5 per kilowatt-hour.
Consumers residing in Lugbe, Area 10, Apo Resettlement Area, and surrounding areas spoke with NAN in Abuja on Sunday.
They said that while Band A was acceptable due to the constant power supply, the tariff was too high, making it difficult for them to cope under the current economic conditions.
Mrs Amen Odigie, a civil servant residing in Lugbe, said that she was paying a significant amount to enjoy the power supply.
Odigie explained that her electricity bill for the two-bedroom flat she occupies was over N30,000 per month.
“This is really affecting me, as my salary cannot cover expenses with the current economic hardship in the country.
“I want to appeal to the government to review the high electricity tariff, as this Band A tariff is taking up most of my income,” she said.
Mr Ugochukwu Okafor, also residing in Lugbe, stated that the electricity tariff for Band A customers was excessive.
Okafor, a vulcaniser, said that his monthly income could not cover the Band A tariff.
He urged the Federal Government to address the Band A tariff, saying it was too high given the present hardship in the country.
Mrs Anita Adaje, a fashion designer in Apo Resettlement, said she relied heavily on electricity to run her business, and with the Band A tariff, she was unable to make a profit.
“When you bill customers so high, they will refuse to pay, and this is really affecting my business.
“My appeal is that the government should review this high tariff and address it,” she said.
Mr Festus Ogunbor, who operates a printing business in Area 10, said he recharged over N30,000 daily to run his printing machines.
Ogunbor noted that the high cost of electricity was impacting his business, as he could no longer take on many jobs.
“How much do I earn that I have to pay so much for electricity? I urge the government to address this high tariff, as it is seriously affecting businesses and the cost of living,” he said.
Mr Chidi Okeke, also a printing business owner in Area 10, said he had been struggling to power his printing machines due to the high electricity tariff.
Okeke suggested that the government should find a way to reduce the high cost of electricity to support businesses and encourage more Nigerians to venture into entrepreneurship.
