By CHRIS OCHAYI

ABUJA: The National Electric Regulatory Agency, NERC, has blamed the current worsening state of power supply in the country on shortfall of gas supply to the generation companies.

Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi who said this in Abuja, called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, in order to enhance the commerciality of gas to power to ensure improved electricity supply in the country.

Besides, Amadi denied approval for any increase in power tariff, saying, “NERC hereby informs the general public that it has not approved any increase in electricity tariff or charges by the electricity distribution companies, DISCOs.

According to him, “we want to make it clear that NERC has not sanctioned any illegal increase by any DISCO. However, customers who feel that they are victims of such purported increases should come forward with evidence. NERC will in turn send out a team to investigate.”

He said, “Gas supply is largely responsible for the current drop in generation. As at yesterday, 2,859 megawatts was un-utilized capacity due to gas shortage. NERC therefore urges the National Assembly to quickly pass Petroleum Industry Bill as it will further enhance the commerciality of Gas to Power.”

Amadi who confirmed that the market operators have remitted a total of N2 billion for the settlement of service providers as at last Monday, added that the agency has completed plans to set up committee to look into the issues raised against Multi-Year-Tariff-Order, MYTOII, by Disco operators in Kano, Yola and Jos, the Plateau State capital.

He said also that the Commission was presently making preparations for the MYTOII minor review which comes up in December, 2013. “Updates on the MYTOII minor review will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The new owners of the recently privatised utility companies cannot unilaterally increase electricity tariffs and charges without the express approval of the regulator, NERC. Companies who want to charge more for their services must apply for a rate review. Once this application is received by the Commission, a thorough and transparent process of stakeholder engagement follows.