Bayelsa Government Still Deciding on Power Plant Tariffs

The Bayelsa State Government has not yet decided on the prices for using its 60 megawatts gas-powered electricity plant.

Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, shared this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Thursday.

Governor Duoye Diri's administration opened the 60-megawatt independent gas-fired power plant in April.

NAN reports that the power plant has started phased test-running, giving steady electricity supply to some areas of Yenagoa City.

Mrs Koku-Obiyai said the main focus of the state government is to make sure electricity gets to the communities.

"We have yet to decide on the tariff structure for various categories of users. That is a technical area, not everyone should get involved in it.

"Our major concern now is to ensure that the electricity gradually gets to communities. Once we achieve this, we can then work out the tariff," she said.

Residents Voice Concerns

Meanwhile, some people in Yenagoa have complained about what they call an aggressive revenue drive by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) since the return of regular power supply.

Ebitimi Noah, who lives in the Opolo Area of Yenagoa, is worried that the company is asking for electricity bills even when customers have not been metered.

"We understand that they are serving as the DISCO for the project, but the right thing should be done.

"The plant is still under test-run, it’s too early to start harassing customers. Left for PHEDC alone, we won’t have electricity," he said.

He urged for metering of electricity users in the city so that residents only pay for what they use.

Another resident, Ilayefaa Ajoko, claimed that electricity users in the state have faced extortion for many years.

"That is the reason people are resisting this move. We ask for metering. This will settle the whole matter," he said.