₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian people, accustomed to life with frequent interrupted power supply at homes and business places, except those few having private generators, are suddenly to pay more for electricity as a new tariff regime comes into effect on June 1, 2012.

Newly established Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), an independent statutory body charged with the “responsibility of ensuring the provision of safe, adequate, reliable and affordable electricity,” is introducing a Multi-Year-Tariff-Order (MYTO) in addition to energy conservation strategies to reduce financial burden on electricity consumers. Also a Power Consumer Assistance Fund aimed at protecting the low income earners – something like subsidy will be put in place.

President Goodluck Jonathan
NERC is to monitor the electricity industry, ensure steady power supply, efficiency, no longer dependence on generating sets, meters will be provided free but with minimum costs to consumers.

Dr. Sam Amadi, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, has insisted that the situation can’t be the same again as it was in the past when people were virtually living in darkness. Now for the NERC, it is “keeping the lights on.” But how far can this new dispensation go, considering the huge challenges and constraints to be contained in the realisation of this new project.

Amadi appeared recently on a Ray Power Radio programme called “Political Platform” to explain this latest development in the electricity industry to listeners across the country in a session with seasoned journalists anchoring the programme. Saturday Vanguard monitored the interaction and the NERC chairman’s response to the questions raised about the new order.

On why there is need to raise tariff

It’s about tariff that will cover costs, ensure private sector investment in the generation, distribution and transmission of electric power to Nigerians. It’s about providing light to Nigerians in the heart of darkness. No darkness anymore.

Should we first have tariff before light or have light before tariff – which one should come first? Put it like this: Do you go to a restaurant, pay the cost of food already fixed without seeing the food itself whether it will be palatable or not?

Both the tariff and light go hand in hand. If you cook a good soup which costs money to prepare, the price can be fixed already because you’re sure the soup will be sweet and the person paying will have value for his money. It takes time to make a good soup.

Also electricity takes time to generate. Investment will be made. The cost today is less than what ever in future and services. N50 billion is provided as subsidy in this year. But it’s unlike fuel subsidy that is shared by oil marketers.

For instance, if the consumer is to pay N10 per kilowatt hour, will now pay N4. Instead of paying about N21 per kilowatt hour, will pay N11. There are different classes of consumers paying different rates of tariffs for their electricity.

What about providing free meters?

Free meters won’t be provided before June 1st. About 18 months needed to have the meters. It’s free because no upfront tariff has captured payment of meters. Payment has been factored into the cost.

Some consumers who went to PHCN and the company demanded for N30,000 for new meters. Can this be correct?

If they (PHCN) asked for money from consumers for the new meters, I cannot say. But before June 1st, we will publish the connection fee. After that, consumers can call NERC for enquiries. It is a criminal offence to charge what was not approved. Industrialists will be paying more. Let there be more light. If supply is boosted, it will drive down the cost of energy.

How can energy cost be saved?

Cost can be saved by proper metering, energy efficient bulb, putting off your light when not needed, open your windows for energy (light) to come in. Metering will solve this aspect of cost.

About those people who have paid already for the new meters?

It’s a new dawn, that has passed away. Let’s forgive. The past is gone. (Nothing can be done about that).

His last message

For many years, it had not been good, consumers of electricity were in darkness. But things can be better. Let us oppose corruption, and fight to make the system work. I won’t tell lies to the people.

Meanwhile, from all indications, Dr. Sam Amadi wants the co-operation of all Nigerians to make the new tariff regime work and liberate the nation from perpetual darkness which inadequate, ineffective, inefficient electric power system has caused. There is need for more private investment in building more power stations for consumers to have choices. The common people will pay less for electricity while the rich and big companies pay more. Let us wait and see.

Smooth and uninterrupted power supply has been identified as key to successful industrialisation of the country. The cost of doing business and manufacturing is becoming increasingly prohibitive and unbearable.

Many small and even medium scale enterprises cannot thrive in a nation plagued by persistent power failure. Generating sets are constantly on in several business premises with billions of naira expended on diesel fuel to run them. Public power system is turned into “standby,” while generators are running almost permanently.

With the new order in which electric power supply can be guaranteed, unemployment will be curtailed significantly as artisans, vulcanizers, battery charging, beauty/hair saloons, dry cleaning, tailoring, bakeries, shoe making, fish processing and other small businesses will get the much needed boost.

Maverick musician, Charly Boy has been blowing hot following the publications last week by two national newspapers, (not Vanguard) which reported that he is gay and a member of the illuminati, a secret cult.

Reacting to the publications, which he said has cost him ‘great hurt and distress’, in a telephone interview with WG, the area father said “it’s absurd” for anyone to think he’s gay and a member of a cult all because he’s trying to be himself. He is threatening to seek redress in court.

According to him, “‘I’m not concerned about name calling, but the way and manner in which we apply professionalism in whatever we are doing. If I’m gay, I will fight for the right of homosexuals. I am not gay and I am not part of any organisation called the illuminati in any way, shape or form. I have never had problems with whatever the press writes about me. But these publications have gone beyond the boundaries.”

The eccentric entertainer however expressed dismay, following the embarrassment the negative reports has brought to his personality as well as the accusation that he uses his wife only as a camouflage for his illicit affairs with men like him.

For Christ sake, he continues, “I’ve been married for many years. My wife and I have a good relationship with our children and we even have grand children. So, how could anybody think such a thing about me!”

Also frowning at the accusation in respect of why he is fond of applying make-up and lipstick on his face like that of a woman, including the bling-blings all over his face, nose, neck, fingers and body, Charly Boy explained that make-up and blings have been an integral part of the Charly Boy brand, which he created about twenty years ago.”

“I don’t see anything new about my make-up and jewelries. It’s been like that for the past twenty years! Everything is part of my publicity stunt!”

Concerning the inciting photo he took with popular OAP, Denrele Edun, where they both kissed and curdled each other closely, Charly said ‘it’s all part of my publicity stunt.’

Culled: Vanguard

A girl had really talked about her boyfriend to her female friends. She told them how rich, caring, generous and handsome he is and informed them that he will be coming to visit the next evening.

High expectation rose from everyone, and the guy came the next evening as expected.
Regrettably, he came with a loaf of AGEGE BREAD as a gift to his girlfriend this time.

The girl was very disappointed and angry, that she threw the bread at him and insulted him to the fullest in the presence of everyone.

Embittered, the guy took the AGEGE BREAD,sliced it
into two and behold A CAR KEY and AN ENGAGEMENT RING fell out of the bread.

Put yourself in man and the lady's shoe, what will you do?

with silence and endurance u will win his heart...its difficult to do sha..but believe me dts d best way to deal with men of such manner..

My first time of been in a cinema was 25.12.2009 in Budapest Hungary to watch "AVATAR" in 3D. i was not comfortable at first cus i was the only one among my friends who hasn't been there, i kept calm n rolled along as per the smart Nigerian girl...it was amazing sitting at the front row,with large size salted popcorn n a medium size sprite. The pictures where baffling and Massively clear,as if someone would come out to hug you, i shifted back a couple of time with the feeling of someone going to touch me, the sound was superb. i had a nice time, the feeling was so real, compared to the one i do have while watching with my lappy.

this is a very good work... if other cities too can do this..definitely road congestion n accident will reduce. i must confess am impressed..

charlie is just an old fool seeking for attention..its seems its been long he heard pple talk bout him..guess dts y he's yarning dis trash....as for him sayin he is f head of illuminati in Nigeria,am sure he took over dose of his drugs before sayin dt..though he looked like someone who has sold his soul to d devil sha..but d fame is not showing on him...his is jst a plain madness...

the only thing that can make a lady really beautiful is her character...like Yoruba will say "iwa lewa"....every other thing can come after that.

Obama is not black in mind,so he can choose to exibit d madness he has in his brain box...

this is a very gud move,its aches my heart to read every time how children of 17,18,19 are being jailed in London,giving Nigeria a bad name.... children who lacks trainin n proper understanding of how to live a gud life...spoilt brats.
people of d country r sufferin,useless politicians r using their children to syphon d country's money...
"ile'n jona, were'n la guta"(house dey burn mad man dey do drainage).

the songs weren't bad, but left to me Don Jazzy shouldn't have rushed this album, he should have waited for D'banj to come up with his first n lets hear him out, now am sure D'banj would have listen to this n quickly correct his error..it was a good one though!!

instead of this kidnappers to go after the right people, they are there torturing the poor victims...what could have been her offence?? this is one thing that do pain me about these kidnappers and arm-robbers.....Government house is there they won't go there...when they get tired of her company with them, they will release her..Nonsense

awwww,this is so sad!!! may her soul rest in perfect peace!!

lets pray for him to find favor in the eye of his God on the day of judgement....he might not be d best president we'v had,but atleast he tried,am sure he would have been alive by now if OBJ didnt put him on the sit...he was already pronounced dead even before he became president...we Nigerians always like to critize all things...may God help us all...R.I.P to Yaradua..

and Chelsea went home "HAPPY" thanks to Torres

instead of this man to pray for the good of Nigeria by seeking for prophecies that will turn things around...he is there carring death prophecies around... only God knows who is really serving Him

men can neva change!!! what else does a man need, God gave him a good and diligent wife, yet he still exhibit the nasty attitude in him!!who knows maybe its his friends that pushed him, but all things r clear to God!
Dear woman, please call on your God n pour your heart to him, am sure He will put a smile on your face soonest by His grace! the deeds already been done!!

this is best news i've read so far!!

hmmmm, its gonna be rough oo...if there is gonna be free education in Nigeria, then there won't be facilities...n teachers salary will suffer more!!! even now that's not free people are living from hand to mouth!!!

i won't say what Mercy did was good,but the Make-up artist too shouldn't have done that!! she said she loved her n that she is her role model, but she should have had a second thought before recording...even if she has no intention of doing anythn with the video, someone else can pick up her phone anytime'' this is how shits go viral... if the gist spread now, many of us will read it n call her names... she is only trying to protect her home!!!

Dangote is really doing great in Nigeria..how i wish there are more of like minds like him... am sure GEJ cant wait for this to be done.. :-D

very soon Nigerians will be rubbing each other of "urine... weldone jare...Nigeria needs great mind like urs..