The 11 Electricity
Distribution Companies (DisCos), under the aegis of Association of Nigerian
Electricity Distributors (ANED), have affirmed that they will support the move
to supply free electricity to all consumers within their network in the next
two month.
They stated that this will be a palliative
measure to bring succour to Nigerians in the face of the COVID-19 induced
hardship.
The House of Representatives had disclosed its
consideration of a fresh Stimulus Bill that will allow Nigerians enjoy
electricity supply for two months without any charge.
While confirming
the development, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy Association of
Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Mr. Sunday Oduntan, disclosed in a
statement that “details of the implementation of plans for the free electricity
supply will come soon.
“We are 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.
“We recognise the challenging effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economic and daily lives of our customers.
“In fulfillment of our commitments to the nation, we hereby align ourselves with the efforts of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council to mitigate the hardships that are currently faced by our customers and other citizens all over the country.”
Oduntan said that DisCos also commended the Federal Legislators, the Executive arm and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the initiative. He said that the DisCos were 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,” Oduntan added.