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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives, yesterday, demanded for a N500 billion capital base for electricity Distribution Companies ( DISCOs) operating in the country.
The House said this is necessary to ensure that only companies with the required capital and capability to provide satisfactory services to consumers are allowed to continue to operate.
The Green chamber also mandated its Committee on Power to probe the activities of DISCOs, so as to hold them accountable and safeguard the right of consumers. The committee is expected to report back in four weeks for further legislative actions.
Furthermore, the parliament, while urging the Federal Ministry of Power to take urgent measures to address the actions of DISCOs, which allegedly constitute a threat to the country’s economy, equally called for enlightenment of consumers about their rights and how to properly channel their grievances.
This followed the adoption of a motion by Ibray Isiaka, on “Need to address activities of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria.”
Isiaka, in his motion, informed the House that DISCOs are compelling electricity consumers to pay for replacement of metres, under “ dubious “ pretences”. He stated that this notwithstanding that the consumers had earlier paid for the installation of the metres.
The lawmaker contended that activities of the DISCOs constitute a threat to economic stability of the country, as well as the welfare of the people.
According to him, “consumers are being coerced into paying for meters which they have earlier financed, causing financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.”.
Isiaka expressed concern that “despite constant regulatory oversight and demand for accountability by the Committee on Power from these companies, Discos remained recalcitrant in operating with impunity and disregard for consumer rights.”
Consequently, the lawmaker implored the House to stand against alleged injustices against electricity consumers, as well as prioritise the needs and rights of their constituents.
