The federal government has issued a three-month ultimatum to power Distribution Companies (Discos) to improve the quality of power supply to their customers or be sanctioned.

The Minister of Power, Mr. Mamman Saleh, in a statement wednesday in Abuja, said before the three-month delay on the take-off of the implementation of tariff measures, the Discos must be willing to supply meters, improve power supply and agree on what is the reasonable tariff for consumers.

However, power Generation Companies (Gencos) have blamed the epileptic electricity supply on the federal government for its inability to guarantee adequate gas supply to generate electricity.

The minister said there would only be a rise in tariff when the Discos had committed themselves to play their roles effectively, rather than waiting for Nigerians to pay more for electricity.

“Tariffs will only be raised as the Distribution Companies (Discos) improve the quality of supply, meter consumers, and agree with consumers on rates. Discos that fail to improve will be sanctioned,” he said.

Mamman added that the ministry of power remained supportive of a “service-reflective” tariff system, which he said would be more equitable and would encourage investment in the sector.

He said: “The ministry will work with NERC to ensure that improvements happen in the entire Discos network and estimated billing is capped per NERC Order 197/2020. This will eliminate arbitrary billing that Nigerians have raised issues with.

“We are also implementing other key emergency measures to support the NESI (Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry). We are working with the CBN to ensure payments to the generators and gas suppliers through the Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) are expedited to support power supply.

“TCN is also creating emergency measures to ensure staff will be available to monitor the grid and perform technical interventions.

“These changes and emergency measures will have an impact on government finances. The Power Sector Recovery (PSRP) Financing Plan is being updated to reflect the changes. The financing plan will help support ongoing discussions with the World Bank on financial support for the sector and the transition away from tariff support as government optimises its resources,” Mamman added.

He explained that the ministry would continue to implement key infrastructure programmes such as the Siemens/Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), continue the transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme in partnership with the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) and other key development partners.

“To support the underserved and citizens without access in this difficult time, the ministry will accelerate programmes with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) focusing on solar home systems and solar mini-grids that impact the poor. These programmes continue to be supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, USAID, DFID, and other key development partners.

“The ministry is also in discussions with the central bank to provide financing to accelerate solar off-grid programmes with the REA. We will engage with key NESI players in this difficult time to ensure sustainability of supply,” he noted

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has also urged operators in the industry to ensure quick resolution of customers’ complaints during the lockdown in parts of the country.

“We have been monitoring the rampaging effects of the COVID -19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world at large. Considering the cardinal role of electric power in sustaining the wellbeing of any nation and particularly in powering critical infrastructure, the commission is directing all operators in the electricity industry to ensure continuity of service during this difficult period.

“All operators shall continue to observe instructions and guidance issued by the federal government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control towards containing the spread of COVID-19. The Nigerian Electric Supply Industry has been directed to immediately activate its Business Continuity Plan,” NERC said in a statement by its Chairman, Prof. James Momoh.

Govt must resolve Gas challenges, Gencos Insist

Also on Wednesday, the Gencos said for the country to attain a stable supply of electricity, the federal government must sort out the incessant gas supply issues in the sector.

The Gencos stated that with thermal power accounting for 80 per cent of Nigeria’s power generation and with expenses on gas taking about 60 per cent of all wholesale electricity tariffs in the country, the matter must be resolved for Nigerians to enjoy a stable power supply.

Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), the umbrella body of the Gencos, Mrs. Joy Ogaji, in a statement in Abuja, noted that the Gencos were ready to partner the government and stakeholders to evolve strategies that will fast-track the quest for adequate and stable electricity supply in Nigeria.

“The Gencos reiterate their commitment to improving power generation from its thermal and renewable (hydropower plants) sources across the country,” it said, adding: “There is, however, a shortage of gas supply for thermal generation companies. Thermal power from gas and steam turbines accounts for about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s power generation. Gas unavailability greatly hinders power generation in thermal power plants.”

It complained that gas suppliers demanded upfront payment (pre-payment) before they made gas available and that the Gencos could not afford to meet this request given the liquidity issues in the sector.

It added that the Gencos were willing to invest to increase the capacity of power plants and provide investments to cater for maintenance and repairs. (Thisday)

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