Power sector experts and consumer groups have said the recent increase in electricity tariff by power distribution companies, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, has shown that the Federal Government and Discos are taking Nigerians for granted.

Speaking on the issue, they demanded the Federal Government to order the power distribution companies to reverse the tariff hike, stressing that it came amidst the severe economic crisis in Nigeria currently.

It stated that power distributors increased the electricity tariff payable by consumers without following due process as contained in the Multi Year Tariff Order.

Since the hike tariff was confirmed by a Disco last week, several condemnations had trailed the development, despite the silence of the industry regulator concerning the issue.

Also, the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, KUNLE OLUBIYO, said the Federal Government had eventually withdrawn subsidy on electricity tariffs.

He said the NERC had given the power distributors an open cheque to effect minor tariff reviews under the reflective tariff and service-based tariff schemes.