Court Bans NERC From Increasing Tariffs For Band A Users

A Federal High Court in Kano State has issued an order prohibiting the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) from implementing the newly planned electricity rate for Band A customers.

Judge Abdullahi Liman presided over the ruling, which was issued on Thursday, May 3, via an ex parte motion.

The interim injunction prevents NERC and KEDCO from implementing the scheduled tariff adjustments until the court has heard and determined the ongoing motion on notice.

Furthermore, the ruling forbids the defendants from engaging in any intimidation or threats to cut the applicants' power supply because they refuse to accept the increased cost.

The action, FHC/KN/CS/144/2024, was filed by Super Sack Company Limited and BBY Sacks Limited.

In addition, the plaintiffs in the case are Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Limited (MAN).

The ex parte motion was presented by Abubakar Mahmoud, the plaintiffs' legal representative.

On April 3, the NERC approved an increase in electricity pricing for subscribers in Band A.

According to the commission's notice, clients in this category who receive a daily electricity supply of 20 hours would have their rate increase to N225 per kilowatt (kW) from the previous N66, beginning April 3.

The House of Representatives and other stakeholders have criticized the rapid tariff revision, urging NERC to delay implementation of the new pricing.