With ongoing concerns over electricity supply in Nigeria, residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital have questioned the effectiveness of the electricity band system approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, which determines the level of power supply different areas receive.
This comes as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had introduced the electricity band system as a way to classify customers based on the average number of hours of electricity they receive daily. The system is divided into: Band A, which reportedly enjoys 20-24 hours of power supply daily, Band B: 16-20 hours, Band C: 12-16 hours, Band D: 8-12 hours, Band E: Less than 8 hours.
While this categorization is meant to ensure fair distribution and tariff adjustments according to NERC, many residents remain unaware of their assigned band and how it affects their bills and service quality.
Speaking with our correspondent, Uwakmfon Walter, in an interview, a cross-section of Uyo residents expressed frustration over inconsistent supply and higher tariffs from electricity distribution companies. Others complained about lack of transparency in the band allocation process.
To address these concerns, Uyo residents are calling on the government and electricity distribution companies to ensure fair and transparent band allocation based on actual electricity supply, improve infrastructure to reduce faults and frequent outages, review tariff rates to ensure consumers are not overburdened with high bills despite poor service.