NERC Instructs Electricity Distribution Companies to Downgrade Band A Customers

By oluwaseyi Adediran

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive to electricity distribution companies to downgrade customers in Band A if they are unable to provide the promised 20 hours of electricity supply. This directive was disclosed by NERC’s Commissioner for Licensing and Legal Affairs, Dafe Akpeneye, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

According to Akpeneye, the distribution companies are required to make an application and ensure that they can supply power to customers in Band A. If the distribution companies are unable to meet this commitment, they are required to downgrade the customers to a level that they can adequately supply.

Akpeneye explained that the distribution companies can only distribute what is available on the grid, and if there is no supply to the grid, they cannot meet their supply commitments. However, with the grid issues resolved, the commission hopes that supply can improve.

In addition to this directive, Akpeneye also discussed NERC’s transfer of regulatory oversight to the states. He explained that this transfer is based on the Nigerian constitution, which empowers the states to generate, transmit, and distribute power.

Regarding complaints from Disco customers, Akpeneye stated that the commission has a customer protection regulation, which was consolidated last year to safeguard customers seeking redress for their complaints. He explained that customers must first lodge a complaint with the Disco, and if the Disco fails to respond within a specific time, the customer can approach the consumer forum of NERC for redress.

The commission’s complaint process has been effective in resolving customer complaints, with fair resolutions provided to customers who have been overbilled or have had their complaints addressed. However, Akpeneye noted that when customers bypass meters, the commission ensures that the case is addressed appropriately.

In conclusion, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s directive to electricity distribution companies to downgrade customers in Band A if they lack sufficient capacity for supply is aimed at ensuring that customers receive a fair and reliable electricity supply. The commission’s customer protection regulation and complaint process are also in place to safeguard customers’ rights and provide fair resolutions to their complaints.

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