The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has issued an interim order stopping the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, KEDCO, from implementing a new increased electricity tariff for Band A consumers in the DisCo’s franchise area.
Recall that NERC had recently mandated electricity distribution companies to charge Band A consumers higher tariffs to ensure a stable power supply for those who are able to afford it.
Many Nigerians, however, criticized NERC for migrating most consumers to Band A while still experiencing unstable electricity supply.
However, Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano, on Thursday, granted the interim order in response to an ex-parte motion brought by A.B. Mahmoud, representing Super Sack Company Limited, BBY Sacks Limited, Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Limited, MAN, all as Applicants.
The ruling barred NERC and KEDCO from implementing the tariff increase, which was scheduled to take effect this May, pending a hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Additionally, the order prohibited the defendants from intimidating or threatening to disconnect the Applicants’ electricity supply for non-acceptance of the new tariff.
Court bars NERC, KEDCO from implementing new electricity tariff