Electricity Tariff Reform and Stakeholder Perceptions: A Survey of The South-South Nigeria Power Sector

This study examined the influence of electricity tariff on the socioeconomic and industrial development of South-South Nigeria, with emphasis on its implications for consumers, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders. The major problem addressed is the persistent imbalance between rising electricity tariffs and the continued unreliability of electricity supply, which creates hardship for households, discourages small business growth, and reduces productivity in key economic sectors. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using structured questionnaires and interviews to obtain primary data from electricity consumers and sector professionals. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 384 respondents was determined, while 349 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 90.6%. Out of these, 302 valid responses (78.4%) were used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, mean score analysis, and standard deviation were applied using SPSS, alongside regression and correlation methods for bivariate sectoral assessment. Results revealed that 62.2% of respondents agreed that PHEDC/BEDC are performing well (Mean = 2.698, SD = 0.896), while 92.3% affirmed that the electricity market is profitable (Mean = 3.358, SD = 0.640). Also, 61.3% believed tariff increases will improve electricity supply (Mean = 2.752, SD = 0.937). Furthermore, 97.0% agreed that inadequate funding is a major setback in the electricity sector (Mean = 3.470, SD = 0.557). Billing results showed 35.8% use prepaid meters, 37.7% postpaid meters, and 25.8% face estimated billing. The study recommends policy reforms to strengthen tariff transparency, enforce fair billing, expand metering coverage, and improve funding mechanisms to ensure supply reliability.