Power Sector Reform Bill passes second reading

Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Electric Power Sector Reforms Act 2010.

The amendment is to provide for Electricity Distribution Companies to Reimburse any Power Consumer who incurs expenses in the Acquisition and Maintenance of Electricity Apparatus Connected to the National Grid.

Mr. Rollannd Igbakpa, while leading the debate said the bill will seek to ensure Nigerians enjoy affordable and safe electricity.

Mr. Igbakpa stated that “the Bill is people-oriented, seeking to ensure Nigerians enjoy affordable and safe electricity.

It is not a progressive practice for Nigerians to have to repair or replace electricity transformers without due compensation, this is to their disenfranchisement.”

He blamed some of the exorbitant expenses consumers expend to carry out these services on negligence on the part of the electricity distribution companies.

Magaji Da’u Aliyu a member from Jigawa State while speaking against the Bill stated that the electricity distribution companies have suffered tremendously due to lack of infrastructure and availability of the duly required enabling environment to thrive.

He said “The companies have just begun to break even due to the unfavorable business environment of the past.

However the distribution companies have assured us that they will continue to act in favour of consumers.”

Mr. Ndudi Elumelu while contributing to debate stated that the Bill would ensure the right of Nigerians as it relates to electricity service-delivery were respected.

Nnenna.O