EPILEPTIC POWER: We're helpless-NERC, operators

BY MICHAEL EBOH Operators in the Nigerian power sector, yesterday, declared that the current epileptic power situation in the country cannot be addressed within the next couple of months, as they are currently handicapped and faced with a lot of challenges. The operators, who spoke at the Seventh Lagos Economic Summit, tagged, Ehingbeti 2014 , in Lagos, advised Nigerians to exercise patience, saying that fixing the decay in the power sector will not happen overnight. They further stated that Nigerians should not expect stable supply of power across the country in the short term, due to challenges of power generation, infrastructure, revenue collection, appropriate pricing and gas supply, among others. However, Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, represented by its General Secretary, Mr. Issa Aremu, warned that until the problem in the sector is resolved, any attempt to bring about an increase in electricity tariffs will be seen as criminal and will be sternly resisted. According to him, tariffs should be commensurate with service delivery, saying, “it is stealing if you increase tariffs without improved service.” He said Nigerians are looking for improved service delivery and will like to see what they are paying for before tariff increase is considered. Also speaking, Dr. Sam Amadi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, represented by Mr. Eyo Ekpo, Commissioner, Rates and Market Competition, NERC, called for patience from Nigerians. He assured that the problems bedeviling the sector will soon be addressed.