Buhari-NLC Deal: Suspend your new tariffs now, NERC tells DisCos

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, says it has issued an order to power distribution companies to suspend the recent upward review of tariffs for 14 days in line with the agreement with the labour unions.
A meeting of government and labour on Sunday night resolved to suspend a planned nationwide strike after parties agreed on the suspension of recent hikes in power units. But the deal allowed petrol prices that were equally jerked up by the government around the same time to stand.
But the firms declined to immediately implement the reverse, saying on Monday that they were not ready to revert to old billing arrangements, Peoples Gazette reported.
James Momoh, NERC chief, said implementation of the suspension of power tariff hikes should have started on Monday, lasting until October 11.
Mr. Momoh said the existing regulatory framework required distributors to be fair to customers, while also guaranteeing a reasonable return on their investment in the sector. NERC, a government agency, could sanction firms that fail to operate within an agreed framework.
A spokesperson for Ikeji Electricity did not immediately return a request seeking comments about whether or not the company would comply with the suspension agreement this week.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
Ganduje condoles with Niyi Akinsiju over mother’s death
He said that she would be fondly remembered for her remarkable life and contributions.

NationWide
Cleric urges Christians to be agents of reconciliation, hope
According to him, the resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact and the foundation of the Christian faith.

NationWide
David Mark urges FG to declare armed herdsmen as terrorists
Mr Mark decried the unending activities of armed herdsmen, suspected to be behind the killings and kidnappings.

Sport
EPL: Trent-Alexander Arnold scores on 350th appearance as Leicester City get relegated
Leceister became the first club in Premier League history to go nine consecutive home games without scoring.

States
Abia teachers to embark on strike over unmet demands
Mr Madu said that the seven-day notice served the government to that effect would expire on Wednesday.

Sport
Nigeria thrash Togo 53-21 in IHF opener
Nigeria will face Burkina Faso on Monday at 9 a.m., while the U-20 team will play Togo at 3 p.m.