COVID-19: DisCos Consent To Two Months Free Electricity Supply

The Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOS) have acceded to pressures to grant two months’ free electricity tariff to all Nigerians as part of palliative measures to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Nigeria.

The DisCos under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) in a statement said it recognised the challenging effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economic and daily lives of the customers.

The members of the House of Representatives had been at the forefront of agitation for free supply of electricity to the public for two months within the COVID-19 crisis period.

The statement by ANED Executive Director (Research and Advocacy) Sunday Odunta, said: “We are also completely aligned with the plans to ensure palliative measures, including free electricity supply to all Nigerians for two months, to make life easier, during the lockdown period. Details of implementation to come soon.

“In fulfilment our commitments to the nation, we hereby align ourselves with the efforts of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive to mitigate the hardships that are currently being borne by our customers and other citizens all over the country.

“We commend the Federal Legislators, the Executive arm and The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for their initiative and we are committed to working with them to ensure more efficient power supply within this difficult period, as the nation battles with the ravages of COVID-19.

“Again, as a key utility player in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), we hereby reiterate our commitment to improving service delivery to the nation during this pandemic period and thereafter.