Group calls for review, investigation of tariff adjustment by BEDC in Delta

A Civil Society Group, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancements (ISRCA) A.K.A “No Justice, No Peace” today called for an urgent review, investigation descrepancies of the "Exorbitant" tariff adjustment by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC in Delta State. 

ISRCA National Coordinator, Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in a statement sent to Our Correspondent in Warri. 

Agberen also stressed the need for stakeholders engagement to avert further hardship and potential public unrest. 

According to him, "It is imperative that immediate action is taken to restore fairness, affordability, and accountability in electricity billing in Delta State."

Agberen stated that the recent tariff adjustments by the BEDC have become a source of serious concern to electricity consumers in Delta State, particularly prepaid meter users. 

Agberen pointed out that, "BEDC, like other Distribution Companies in Nigeria, operates under the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

"However, the latest tariff increase is excessive, unreasonable, and bears no correlation with the current economic realities faced by consumers.

"For illustration with receipts attached, ₦5,000 worth of prepaid electricity units purchased in the first week of July 2026 yielded 112.9 units. Within 2-3 weeks, the same ₦5,000 now yields only 22.3 units. 

"This represents an alarming decline of over 80% in value and calls for urgent investigation into the methodology of the tariff adjustment."

Agberen further said that, "At the present rate, an average civil servant earning the national minimum wage may be compelled to spend over 30% of their monthly income on electricity alone. This is unsustainable and may inadvertently drive consumers toward illegal connections and meter bypass in a bid to cope. 

"While energy efficiency is encouraged, the immediate priority is to address the inaccuracies and lack of transparency in the tariff regime. 

"In light of the foregoing, I respectfully call on:

1. The Delta State Government, through the Hon. Commissioner for Power and Energy, Engr. Micheal Ifeanyi Anoka;
2. The Management of BEDC Plc, including the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jonathan O. Lawani;
3. The Warri Regional Head, Mr. Curtis Nwadei; and 
4. The Sapele Regional Head, Mr. Okolosi P. I."