Reps to investigate investments, pledges by DISCOs, GENCOs

The House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated its Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation to investigate the investments and pledges made by power Distribution Companies and Generation Companies.
The House also directed the Committee to ascertain the revenue accrued to the companies and their level of compliance with the privatisation agreements.
This followed a motion by Rep. Muktar Dandutse (Katsina-APC), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion, Dandutse expressed concern over the prevailing situation after the takeover of privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria by the successor companies.
He lamented that the DISCOs particularly charged arbitrary bills, not minding whether there was outage or not.
The lawmaker said there had not been new investments by DISCOs and GENCOs.
He added: “Transformers, fallen electricity poles, prepaid metres and other basic infrastructure are still being replaced or provided by states, local governments, communities and individuals.
“Customers are being charged flat rates, which is unjustifiable in this austere period, a situation that is causing untold hardships to the people.
:Unqualified personnel are being allowed to handle electrical infrastructure which increases the risks of electrocution and damages to existing infrastructure.”
Dandutse added that the unwholesome practices were retarding the overall progress and development of the country.
He said the money spent on such infrastructure by communities and individuals could have been used to service other needs.
The House also urged Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure immediate amelioration of the hardships being experienced by the people.