Nigeria’s Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that customers in the northern regions affected by recent blackouts will not be billed by distribution companies (DisCos) during the outage periods.
Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu stated that he plans to consult with the chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and representatives from the DisCos to address the billing issue.
On October 22, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported significant power outages across the north-east, north-west, and parts of north-central Nigeria, triggered by a trip of the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ugwaji-Apir double circuit transmission lines. Additionally, vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna line resulted in reduced electricity supply to key cities such as Kaduna and Kano.
Just two days later, a snapped 330 kV transmission line in the swampy region of Igumale, Benue State, further exacerbated the blackout situation.
In response to the crisis, President Tinubu directed the TCN to expedite repairs and mandated National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to ensure the safety of the facilities during the restoration process.
Speaking to State House correspondents, Adelabu affirmed that customers would not be charged for electricity they did not receive during the outages. “I will meet with the chairman of NERC and all the DisCos regarding the days affected by blackouts,” he said. “There should be no billing for any customer whether household, office, or industrial during these periods.”
He expressed confidence in the TCN’s efforts to restore power, noting that the transmission company has been provided with the necessary security support from the national security adviser, in collaboration with the chief of army staff and air staff. “We are optimistic that restoration will occur very soon,” Adelabu concluded.
