Reps streamline channel for electricity-related complaints

Back tariff increase
In the face of worsening power situation in the country, where about 1, 598 megawatts have reportedly dropped, the House of Representatives has streamlined a  channel for complaints relating to the power sector.

This was disclosed by Chairman on Power, Daniel Asuquo representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency of Cross River State in an interview.

By the new arrangement, according to him, every representative in the lower legislative chamber is now expected to receive and collate all grievances by consumers in their constituents and channel them to the Committee on Power for attention. It is in furtherance of this, according to  Asuquo, that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is opening up what he described as Forum Centres across the six geo-political zones in the country for lodgments of such complaints.

The lawmaker further announced House members support for the recent increase in electricity tariffs, arguing that the cost of generating a megawatt of power has increased in recent times, making it inevitable to do so if power generation has to be boosted for the benefit of the country.

“Communication has been a major problem. You are given estimated bills when you know that they are not supposed to do so, you report to us. We have 360 representatives that represent every local government and every community, report to us.