The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is pushing for a major change in Nigeria’s electricity sector, calling on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure that Distribution Companies meter all unmetered Band A customers within 60 days. This move is aimed at guaranteeing accurate billing and protecting consumers from unfair estimations.
In a statement released by the FCCPC, Acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of enforcing the cap on estimated bills and ensuring that daily supply requirements for respective tariff bands (A to E) are met. This, he believes, will promote fairness in billing practices and prevent exploitation of consumers.
Abdullahi commended the recent enforcement action taken by NERC against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company for violating tariff regulations, including a mandate for reimbursement of overcharged customers and a hefty fine. He sees this as a positive step towards upholding consumer rights and ensuring fairness in the electricity industry.
The FCCPC is advocating for more stringent enforcement measures and increased transparency in billing and power supply, especially in light of recent tariff increases for Band A customers. Abdullahi stressed the importance of protecting consumers from unfair practices, as mandated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
While acknowledging the need for tariff realignment to support Distribution Companies and the electricity sector as a whole, Abdullahi highlighted consumer concerns about potential abuse and dissatisfaction due to arbitrary estimated billing for unmetered Band A customers. He also pointed out the DisCos’ failure to meet minimum power supply requirements and compensate consumers for service downtime, exacerbating consumer grievances.
The FCCPC is monitoring the implementation of directives to downgrade underperforming feeders and is calling on NERC to diligently enforce measures to address consumer concerns and create a sustainable and consumer-friendly electricity market. Abdullahi expressed confidence in NERC’s ability to impose penalties on DisCos for violations, promoting compliance and accountability in the industry.
Overall, the FCCPC is pushing for a fairer and more transparent electricity market in Nigeria, where consumers are protected from exploitation and unfair practices. By advocating for metering of unmetered customers, enforcing billing regulations, and ensuring adequate power supply, the commission aims to create a more consumer-friendly environment in the electricity sector.
