The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed displeasure over the failure of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKDC) to provide transformers and prepaid meters to electricity consumers within its catchment areas.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Shadimu Alao (APC-Lagos) who called for the intervention of the Lower Chamber in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians and businesses within the areas.
In his lead debate, Shadimu Alao (APC-Lagos), who emphasized the importance of the power sector to the socio-economic development of any nation, frowned at the undue delay by Ikeja Electricity distribution company to distribute transformers and pre-paid meters to a large percentage of electricity consumers within its jurisdiction.
He argued that as a result of the delay, output from the distribution company has been low due to usage of inadequate and obsolete transformers inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
According to him, the distribution company has consistently issued unrealistic and often outrageously estimated bills to consumers even when, in most cases, there is inadequate supply of electricity, thus leading to consumers being overcharged for electricity not consumed.
He observed that since the privatization of the power sector, the Distribution Companies have generally performed below expectation in breach of the provisions of the Privatization Agreement between the companies and the Bureau Public Enterprises (BPE);
“The House is aware that the privatization agreement contains clauses for revocation of licenses issued in the event of continued breach of the agreement,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged Federal Ministry of Power, Works & Housing and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to direct the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to procure, distribute and install transformers and prepaid meters for consumers and discontinue forthwith issuance of estimated bills to electricity consumers.
The House also called on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to also stop disconnection of consumers’ light until prepaid meters are installed.
To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Privatization and Commercialization and Power to investigate the non-compliance of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company with the post-acquisition agreement with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
