The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has called on Nigerians to pay their electricity bills promptly.
It said that non-payment of electricity bills would worsen the irregular power supply in Nigeria.
Mr Sunday Oduntan, its Executive Director (Research and Advocacy), said in a statement in Lagos that lack of steady power supply had hindered the development of the country.
ANED is an umbrella body of the 11 power distribution companies in Nigeria.
“If the DISCOs are not paid, their businesses will suffer and if their businesses suffer, our hope for constant electricity will be a pipe dream,” he said.
The association said it was from the monthly electricity bills paid by Nigerians that DISCOs have to pay the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) for electricity supplies that they received.
“NBET also pays the Generating Companies (GENCO) who have to pay their gas suppliers (Thermal).
“DISCOs will pay the market operator which is Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other stakeholders for the various services that they provide.
“Consequently, if Nigerians don’t pay their bills, it starves the entire electricity value chain of the funds needed in power.
“Lack of funds leads to poor or no electricity supply, potential failure of the power sector and related mass unemployment and diminished prospects for national economic growth,” he said.
Oduntan said that non-payment means that our aspiration for 24-7 power supply would continue to be just an aspiration.
“Not paying bills by bypassing or stealing electricity means that it costs legitimate customers more to receive electricity supply.” he said. (NAN)
