By Ngozi Nwatu
Aba Power Electric Company Limited ,APLE, has insisted that it followed the law set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, to increase tariffs for consumers.
It further noted that the hike in tariff was done as approved by NERC.
The company was reacting to complaints by customers during a meeting held by the Aba Electricity Consumers Forum and the Joint Action Group ,JAG.
The customers cited a lack of consultation before the increase, inadequate power supply despite high bills, and alleged dishonesty on the part of APLE.
However, in response to these allegations, APLE’s Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, dismissed the claims as either misinformation or ignorance.
He stated that the company strictly adhered to the regulatory process outlined by NERC.
“We did extensive consultations as required by NERC. And, eventually, when we went to NERC to defend the tariff, there were independent interveners that came to the event to speak against this.
“So it’s strange when people say nobody knew when all of this happened.
“We’re a licensed entity by then, and we followed due process to ensure that all the requirements were fulfilled before the tariff was given. This process started as far back as August”, Opiegbe said.
In its official press statement titled Understanding APLE’s Tariff Adjustment, dated January 29, the company reiterated that it operates as a fully private entity and does not receive government subsidies or other interventions enjoyed by legacy electricity distribution companies ,DisCos.
“This adjustment for various customer classes reflects the current macroeconomic realities affecting the entire power sector”, the statement read.
Opiegbe further disclosed that contrary to claims of a unilateral decision, APLE engaged customers for three days before implementing the new tariff.
Addressing complaints from postpaid customers ,those without prepaid meters, about overbilling, APLE’s Chief Operating Officer, Blessing Ogbe, explained that the company’s billing process aligns strictly with NERC guidelines.
“Now, this is a method of building where your energy intake is seen by three umpires. The umpires are what we, the discos, the market operator in the case of wind getting energy from NDPHC or the plant, and also the regulators. Of course, we are all aware that we can’t do anything except we are regulated.
“We are like those on the soccer pitch; we are playing balls and we have the umpire, the referee, there. The NERC sees everything. Now, from this energy to some method of calculations, which I can’t provide here in detail but I can throw more light on it if your question comes up. On a monthly basis, the capping units are sent to us.
“I’ll give you an instance. The billing for next month is now; the capping has been sent and Aba Power is the only disco, maybe recently, that was not penalised. We have not been penalised because we have never once violated the capping methodology of billing.
“It means that we stay within the cap. The cap means we are capped like restricted. You can’t go beyond this. And at all times, since the existence of Aba Power, we have never for once exceeded it”, Ogbe explained.
Meanwhile, APLE’s consultant for accreditation and communications, Nkiru Jewel, urged customers to adopt efficient energy management practices in response to the prevailing economic conditions.
“We can manage this energy in such a way that you turn off certain things that are not necessarily in use. We started carrying out education for our customers. Budget and plan for power.
“It’s also important as you budget for food, you budget for so many things; also budget power. It’s absolutely very, very important. If you pay your bills properly and on time, you will help us to also avoid energy theft”, she advised.
The company also raised concerns about rising cases of vandalism, which it said were affecting its ability to provide optimal service. APLE called on the public to help safeguard its facilities.
“We’re also saying, help us to secure some of these assets that we have. By reporting within your community, reporting vandalism, tell us what is actually going on so we can secure what it is that we have.
“Our goal here remains to provide our clients and our customers with reliable and affordable electricity while also ensuring some level of long-term sustainability. That’s why we are here”, Jewel added.
APLE reassured customers that it remains committed to improving service delivery while ensuring long-term sustainability in the power sector.
