Electricity consumers have taken to social media to complain about the recent increase in the prices of prepaid electricity meters by Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the country.
They opined that the increases are all geared towards making the prepaid meters unaffordable in a bid to continue estimated billings.
It will be recalled that electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria recently announced a rise in the price for various electricity meter models, marking the second price hike in four months.
According to the DisCos, the cost of a single-phase meter has risen from approximately N117,000 to as much as N149,800.
This amount indicates an increase of 28.03 per cent or N32,800, depending on the distribution company and meter vendor.
The new prices posted on the official X handle of the discos on Wednesday were scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
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It also reflects the deregulation of meter asset providers as directed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
This upward revision follows an earlier increase in August 2024, further amplifying concerns among electricity consumers about affordability and accessibility.
Reacting to the development, a user Aggrey Tams wrote on Facebook that it is all a plot to continue estimated billings.
“Estimated billing continues because most Nigerians can’t even afford the current price not to talk of 28.03% increase of pre-paid meters”.
On his part, Shina M Ogundipe accused the DisCos of only being interested in estimated billings.
The are interested in exorbitant Estimated billings period! They don’t want people to be metered. Fraudulent!”
Similarly, Fatima Adejoh Akagu wrote “They are doing this because they know that it’s bad market for them. Using prepaid meter enabled pay as you use so you can manage consumption. They want to keep harassing customers who can’t afford it with outrageous estimated bills”.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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