Amidst concerns raised by electricity consumers in Aba regarding the recent tariff adjustment by Aba Power Electric Company Limited (APLE), the company has set the record straight, emphasizing that due process was followed in securing regulatory approval.
The Aba Electricity Consumers Forum and the Joint Action Group (JAG) of Aba, had accused APLE of failing to consult customers before implementing the new tariffs. They also raised concerns about insufficient power supply relative to billing charges and questioned the company’s transparency.
Following protests from customers who rejected the tariff hike, APLE, in a press conference, addressed the misconceptions and misinformation circulating about the adjustment.
In response, APLE’s Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, dismissed these allegations, attributing them to misinformation or a lack of understanding of the regulatory process. He reaffirmed that the company adhered strictly to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) guidelines before adjusting the tariff.
“We carried out extensive consultations, as required by NERC, through various media platforms in Aba and town hall meetings across different feeders within the Aba ring-fence and made publication on national dailies. When we presented our case to NERC, independent interveners were present to voice their concerns. It is surprising when people claim they were unaware of these proceedings. As a licensed entity, we ensure all regulatory requirements are met before implementing any tariff adjustments,” Opiegbe explained.
He further highlighted the financial challenge faced by APLE, revealing that while the company procures power from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company at ₦136.26 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), its Band A customers were still charged ₦106/kWh last year resulting in a ₦30.28/kWh deficit.
Mr Opiegbe clarified that, unlike legacy electricity distribution companies (DisCos) that receive government subsidies and financial interventions, APLE operates as a fully private entity.
“This tariff adjustment reflects the current macroeconomic realities affecting the entire power sector, inflation rate, dollar rate, rising cost of gas e.t.c. Without government support, we must ensure financial sustainability while striving to provide reliable power to our customers,” He stated
He also stressed that contrary to claims of a one-sided decision, APLE engaged its customers for three days before the new tariffs took effect.
For postpaid customers those without prepaid meters who raised concerns about estimated billing, APLE’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Engr. Blessing Ogbe, assured that the company strictly adheres to NERC’s capping methodology.
“There is no such thing as overbilling or Estimated billing. Our energy intake is monitored by three independent bodies that is, the DisCo, the market operator, and the regulator. Everything we do is under NERC’s supervision, and Aba Power remains the only DisCo that has never been penalized for violating billing regulations,” Ogbe stated.
Amid the current economic challenges, Geometric Power Group’s Branding and Communication Consultant, Nkiru Joel, advised customers on practical ways to manage energy consumption.
“We encourage customers to budget for power and adopt energy-saving habits, like turning off appliances that are not in use. Additionally, we urge the public to help safeguard our infrastructure by reporting vandalism and suspicious activities,” she said.
Mr Edise Ekong, manager Branding and communication for Aba Power., condemned the increasing cases of vandalism, which he described as a major threat to service delivery.
“Energy theft and vandalism are crippling our operations. It’s like a tapeworm draining our resources. We are constantly battling sabotage, and we need public cooperation to put an end to this menace,” he lamented.
Echoing this concern, APLE’s Head of Technical, Engr. Simeon Akpata, disclosed that over 72 transformers were vandalized in Aba in 2024 alone.
Despite the challenges, APLE reassured customers of its commitment to providing better services. The company is actively investing in infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance power supply reliability in Aba.
“We are making the necessary improvements to ensure our customers receive the best possible service. With the right structures in place, we are confident of delivering on our promises,” the DisCo assured.
APLE called on the public to join efforts in protecting power facilities, emphasizing that collaborative action is crucial in achieving a stable and efficient electricity supply.