The Bayelsa government says it has yet to decide on the tariffs for usage of its 60-megawatt gas-powered electricity plant.

Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, made the statement in Yenagoa on Thursday.

It would be recalled that the Governor Duoye Diri-led government inaugurated a 60-megawatt independent gas-fired power plant in April.

Phased test-running of the power plant has already commenced, with a reliable electricity supply to parts of Yenagoa City.

Mr Koku-Obiyai stated that the state government’s major concern was ensuring that electricity was delivered to communities.

“We have yet to decide on the tariff structure for various categories of users. That is a technical area; not everyone should delve into 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, some residents of Yenagoa have decried the alleged aggressive revenue drive by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company since the return of regular power supply to the city.

Ebitimi Noah, a resident of the Opolo Area of Yenagoa, expressed worry that the company was demanding electricity bill payments even when customers had 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 called for metering electricity users in the city to ensure that residents paid only for what they consumed.

Another resident, Ilayefaa Ajoko, alleged that electricity users in the state had faced extortion for several years.

“That is the reason that people are resisting this move. We ask for metering; this will settle the whole matter,” he said.

(NAN)