The Federal Government has intervened in the ongoing face-off between state governments and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over tariff regulation, summoning all stakeholders to a meeting scheduled for next week.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued the summons as the dispute deepens over which tier of government has the authority to fix electricity tariffs under the Electricity Act, 2023 (Amended).
Energy commissioners, under the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, argue that the Act empowers states to regulate their respective power markets. However, DisCos, through the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), maintain that while the law allows states to regulate their markets, they lack the authority to determine cross-border electricity pricing.
As states, beginning with Enugu, move to design their own tariffs, distribution companies have declared such actions unworkable, setting the stage for a major regulatory showdown.
The NERC meeting is expected to clarify the scope of authority granted under the amended law and provide a framework for cooperation between federal and state regulators, alongside private operators.
