Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have said that the proposed two months free electricity supply as part of the COVID-19 palliative for its customers cannot come to limelight until the National Assembly approves the proposal.
According to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), the misleading reports that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) would be supplying free electricity to their customers for two months yet to take effect.
It said: “At present, the National Assembly is promoting a proposal to the Federal Government for the implementation of palliatives to ease the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The proposal contains many laudable initiatives, including the provision of free electricity for two months with the Federal Government picking up the electricity bill for this period.
“We hereby clearly state that distribution companies are fully in support of this proposal and willing to play our role in making it a practical reality. If approved, this proposal would also provide a very welcome and timely stimulus to the economy.
“This depends on the success of the proposed stimulus package being passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by Mr President. Accordingly, until the stimulus package is passed, we encourage our customers to utilise our online channels in paying their bills.
In line with this, the management of Ikeja Electric also assured that it supports the National Assembly on the proposal on free electricity for two months as part of COVID-19 palliative for customers but most wait for approval of the proposed services.
“However, it is important to point out that at the moment, it is only a proposal and is still undergoing stakeholder reviews on its feasibility. It has not been approved by the Government as a stimulus package or palliative. As such, the ability of the DisCos to implement this proposed palliative is subject to the stimulus package being passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by Mr President.
However, both distribution companies have reaffirm their commitment to discharging the continued responsibility of distributing and supplying electricity to our esteemed customers.
They equally urged all their customers to continue to pay their utility bills as usual, basically through online payment during this difficult period.
