Electricity Tariff: Court Rules in Favour of NERC, KEDCO as DISCO Urges Reconciliation with Customers
The Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) yesterday urged the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other aggrieved customers to consider a peaceful and amicable way of settling its differences with the Company.
In a statement made available to the Press in Kano by Sani Bala Sani, Head Corporate Communications, the DISCO called and pleaded with all its customers to show some understanding as it operates under strict regulations and promised to remain customer-centric at all times.
KEDCO was calling for a round-table reconciliation with the aggrieved parties after its triumph in court against the MAN, Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (Kano State Chapter), Tofa Textile Limited, Dala Foods Nig. Ltd., Mama Sannu Ind. Ltd., BBY Super Sack Ltd., and Super Sack Co. Ltd. which dragged it to Court in May, 2024, seeking to stop the implementation of April 2024 Supplementary Order on Band A tariff increase.
But, a Federal High Court of Nigeria, Kano Judicial Division seating in Kano, had on Friday 19th July quashed the enforcement on the judgment on the grounds that the suit lacks merit and therefore dismissed it without any cost.
In his judgement, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Simon. A. Amobeda also ordered that the three questions endorsed on the plaintiffs’ originating summons, challenging the credibility, validity, and legality of the April 2024 Supplementary Order are resolved in the negative and against the plaintiffs.
He further adjudged that contrary to the arguments of the plaintiffs, the April 2024 Supplementary Order was validly made pursuant to the Multi-year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2024, which was made after stringent compliance with the provision of section 116 (6), (7), (8), (9), and 10 of the Electricity Act.
Justice Amobeda also ruled that the plaintiff failed to produce any cogent, credible, and convincing evidence before the Court that shows Band A customers were treated worse than other categories, therefore, it is only justifiable that Band A users pay more than other category of customers, being the ones entitled to more electricity supply per day; therefore, dismissed the plaintiffs’ claim that the April 2024 Supplementary Order to the MYTO 2024 was discriminatory, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
The KEDCO Board and Management believe Manufacturers are very important and have affirmed that they will continue to support Manufacturers with improved supply and cost efficiencies in the Kano DISCO franchise area.
