DisCos Ask Nigerians to Pay Their Bills, Say No Free Electricity Yet

Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has said it no plans yet to offer two months free electricity to customers as palliative to cushion the effect of COVID-19 lockdown.

Also, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) made such remarks last week.

Recall that the House of Representatives recently considered a fresh Stimulus Bill that will ensure that Nigerians gefree electricity supply for two months.

Although it would be a temporary palliative, the bill seeks to grant a six-month deferral for payments on mortgages obtained by individual contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF).

PHED, however, said it welcomed the suggestion as proposed by the leadership of the National Assembly and supported by power companies.

John Onyi, corporate communications manager, said PHED “supports the idea of free electricity to consumers in line with the suggestion by the leadership of the National Assembly to our Customers in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa States as a palliative arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“However, customers should note that the proposal is still under deliberation by all relevant stakeholders with a view to mapping out modalities on implementation.

“While we await the official directives from the relevant government agencies, PHED as a responsible organisation, will not hesitate to comply with such directive if served accordingly.

“Meanwhile, our operations will continue as usual and customers are advised to pay their electricity bill pending the final decision from the government, while we will strive to serve our customers satisfactorily as promised,” he said.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) made a similar clarification last week.