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Nigeria's grid collapses weeks after tariffs raised for wealthier customers

Nigeria's creaking grid collapsed for the fifth time this year in the early hours of Monday, highlighting the nation's inability to offer trustworthy power after raising tariffs for wealthier customers by 230% only 2 weeks ago. Nigeria's electricity regulator on April 3 approved an boost in tariffs for the 15% of consumers who utilize one of the most power, as the government tries to minimize the $2.6 billion worth of aids for the sector. The head of the Nigerian electrical power regulator, Musiliu Oseni, safeguarded the tariff boost stating it will indicate an end to grid collapses and bring investment into the sector.

National supply data revealed the supply of power through the grid fell to around 50MW early on Monday from 4,020 MW the previous day.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, which manages the grid, has not yet released a statement on the cause of the latest near complete stop to the supply of power through the grid and did not immediately reply to an inquiry .

Gas shortages and vandalism have triggered grid collapses in the past.

The brand-new rate raises the tariff to 225 naira per kilowatt hour from a maximum of 68 naira for about 15% of customers, who will delight in a maximum of 20 hours of supply daily.

Some analysts have criticised the tariff boost since it pushes more power to wealthier consumers from the meagre 4,000 MW. readily available for distribution to over 200 million Nigerians from. the grid.

Nigeria, Africa's most populated country, deals with seasonal. power lacks that have actually added to years of weak economic. development.

Its electrical energy sector faces a myriad of problems, consisting of. a stopping working grid, gas scarcities, high financial obligation and vandalism. The. nation has 12,500 megawatts of set up capacity, but produces. just about a quarter of that, leaving numerous Nigerians reliant on. expensive diesel-powered generators.

(source: Reuters)