The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has recently issued five new directives to electricity distribution companies in response to the recent tariff hike. These directives, outlined in a notice signed by Abba Terab, the Deputy General Manager of Market Competition and Rates, aim to ensure transparency and fairness in the implementation of the new electricity tariffs.

Following NERC’s approval of a N225 per kilowatt-hour tariff for Band A electricity customers who receive at least 20 hours of power supply, the Commission has instructed all distribution companies to only apply the new rate to the 480 newly approved Band A feeders. In addition, NERC has mandated all distribution companies to publish the schedule of approved Band A feeders affected by the rate review on their websites.

To further enhance transparency, NERC has directed all distribution companies to establish a portal on their websites by April 10, 2024, where customers can check their current tariff bands by entering their meter or account numbers. Any customers who have been incorrectly billed at the new rate are to be refunded through energy tokens by Thursday, April 11, 2024. Distribution companies must also provide evidence of compliance with these directives to the Commission by April 12, 2024.

NERC has emphasized that it will closely monitor compliance with these requirements and will continue to provide support to all stakeholders as needed. These directives aim to ensure that customers are charged fairly and accurately for their electricity consumption, promoting trust and accountability within the electricity sector in Nigeria.