Aba Power, a major electricity distribution company in Abia State, has announced a staggering increase in electricity tariffs of over 50%. The new rates took effect on January 1, 2025, following approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Under the new tariff structure, customers in Band A will now pay between ₦219.70 and ₦241.45 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a significant jump from the previous rate of ₦99/kWh. Customers in Band B will face charges between ₦180.77 and ₦203/kWh, while those in Band C will see their rates rise to between ₦145 and ₦205/kWh.
Aba Power justified the increase by pointing to a challenging macroeconomic environment that has driven up operational costs. In a statement released on social media, the company explained, “This adjustment will enable us to cushion the effects of recent macroeconomic developments in Nigeria on our ability to continue to deliver high-quality service to our customers in compliance with regulatory standards.”
However, the announcement has sparked outrage among residents. Many expressed their frustration on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), voicing concerns about the financial burden this increase places on households and businesses already struggling with high inflation.
One user, Amanze Emenyonu, highlighted the lack of reliable service despite the tariff hike: “I hope you understand that there was a condition for this migration—that you would supply 20-24 hours in Band A feeders. Since the first, you have not been able to maintain that. Aba township has been out of supply for over four hours now.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the company for implementing the new rates without adequate notice. Kelvin Chuks remarked, “Why will you guys increase tariffs without prior notice? You’ve implemented the new plan since yesterday before telling your customers today. That’s very bad.”
The timing of this announcement is particularly concerning given Nigeria’s ongoing energy sector challenges, including rising fuel prices and foreign exchange instability. Many stakeholders have long advocated for cost-reflective tariffs as a means to ensure sustainability in electricity distribution.
