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PH DisCo Hikes Electricity Tariff In Four States
Customers in four states will now pay more for electricity as the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), yesterday, announced a new electricity tariff for customers.
The PHED’s Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr John Onyi, said in a statement in Port Harcourt that customers in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states were affected by the new price regime.
The new tariff is coming three months after the tariff hike implementation slated for July 1 was halted by the National Assembly.
The lawmakers had prevailed on the distribution companies to shelve the date to the first quarter of 2021 due to the current economic challenges in the country.
Under the present regime, customers are categorised into maximum demand and non-maximum demand customers, and they would be charged based on the hours of electricity supply available to them.
Onyi insisted that users would pay the new tariff, in spite of calls by Nigerians and some industry stakeholders to delay implementation of the new price regime.
He said: “PHED started the implementation of the new electricity tariff in line with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) Extraordinary Tariff Review.
“The implementation is based on the issuance of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2020 for PHED, which took effect from September 1.
Onyi said under the new tariff regime, customers have been categorised into five groups, adding that they would be charged based on hours of availability of electricity to their homes and offices.
“Each of these bands (groups) has three classes of customers, namely, Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD), as well as Maximum Demand (MD) 1 and 2.
“Non-MD, MD 1 and MD 2 represent customers previously known as residential (single and three phases); schools/churches and industrial customers, respectively,” he said.
The PHED spokesman further explained that residential customers on Band A category, who presently receive a minimum of 20 hours electricity daily, would pay N55. 20.
He said that customers on MD bands such as schools, churches, supermarkets and those using street lights would pay N54.80, while industrial customers like manufacturing companies would pay N52.20.
“Also, customers on Band B and Band C categories, who presently get a minimum of 16 hours and 12 hours of power supply per day, respectively, are expected to pay an increased tariff.
“Customers on Band D and E categories, who receive eight and four hours power supply daily, will remain on the old tariff structure pending further directive from NERC,” he said.
Onyi said that MYTO was introduced in 2008 to review electricity tariff annually based on inflation rate, currency exchange rates, gas price and electricity generation capacity.
He appealed to customers in the four states to cooperate and support the company by paying their electricity bills regularly.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol