Aba Power offers the lowest electricity tariff among Nigeria’s 12 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) despite the recent 50 per cent tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), effective January 1, 2025.
This was confirmed in a statement by the South-Eastern Zone of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) following its New Year meeting and celebration at Trigpoint International Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
NERC approved an upward adjustment of Aba Power’s Band A tariff from ₦117 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to ₦175.50 per kWh on December 30, 2024. However, this remains significantly lower than the ₦209.80/kWh tariff for Band A customers of other distribution companies, except for the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), which charges ₦230/kWh.
“Aba Power still offers the lowest tariff in Nigeria”, said ECAN in a press release signed by its Zonal Chairman, Joe Ubani, and Secretary, Chris Okpara.
The group commended Aba Power’s resilience, noting its ability to overcome decades of challenges before its official inauguration by Vice President Kashim Shettima on February 26, 2024, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The association expressed hope that the tariff adjustment would help the company address financial difficulties stemming from its reliance on naira-based payments from customers while covering expenses for imported equipment and expatriate staff in dollars.
ECAN also praised Aba Power for recent improvements in electricity supply within the Aba Ring Fence, which includes nine of Abia State’s 17 local government areas.
“There has not been a single blackout in many areas since December 16,” the statement noted, attributing the improved supply to the resumption of gas delivery to the 18-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma Industrial Layout. This gas is supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Heirs Energies via a 27-kilometre pipeline linked to the Oil Mining Licence (OML) 17 in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Power supply was temporarily disrupted for two weeks due to pipeline damage in Rivers State, but ECAN expressed optimism about the future. “With improved gas supply, Geometric Power can soon operate its two additional General Electric turbines, enabling the export of excess electricity to other parts of Nigeria. This will enhance power availability nationwide,” the statement added.
