The recent national grid collapse in the past week resulted in widespread power outages across Nigeria, significantly affecting Band A customers who previously enjoyed a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply.
These electricity subscribers, who pay a premium rate of N206 per kWh for their power usage, are entitled to this level of service as part of their subscription.
According to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Distribution Companies (DisCos) that fail to meet the 20-hour electricity supply threshold for Band A customers are to be subjected to sanctions.
While some have criticized this model as discriminatory and inequitable, the government insists it reflects the principle of “those who pay more should access more light.”
Band A customers, accounting for about 15% of the total electricity subscribers in Nigeria, pay a cost-reflective tariff without any subsidy.
By estimation, there are about 2 million Band A customers out of the country’s registered 13 million electricity subscribers.
Despite the restoration of the national grid after last week’s incessant failures, we can confirm that most Band A subscribers are yet to resume enjoying 20 hours of electricity supply.
Instead, they currently receive about 12 to 16 hours daily, as the grid is yet to reach full capacity.
“So far, the grid hasn’t reached its full capacity since its last collapse, so it’s expected users will see a reduction In their electricity supply for now. Once the grid reaches full capacity, then you can expect things to change,” explained Mr. Seyi Ayotunde, an official of Ikeja Electric, in a conversation with us.
However, customers, particularly those with underestimated billing, believe they are not receiving the service they paid for.
Many are concerned about paying premium tariffs without experiencing the premium service promised.
“We hardly have up to 16 hours of light now. Since the grid collapsed, they don’t bring the light like they used to. Before, we used to have up to 22 to 23 hours of power supply, but that is no longer the case,” lamented Mrs. Joyce Iraboh, a Lagos resident living in Onipanu.
Another customer, Mr. Ope, who resides under a Band A feeder in Ogba, echoed similar sentiments:
“I noticed the decline in electricity supply. We don’t usually have the 20-hour light they promised us. But we are expected to pay a premium as estimated billing.”
Even prepaid meter users are not exempted. While their payment is usage-based, the principle of being on a subsidy-free tariff implies access to the promised electricity supply. The discrepancy between cost and service has left many feeling cheated.
