The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed its support for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in its actions against 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) over arbitrary billing practices.
NERC imposed a fine of N10.5 billion on the 11 DisCos for arbitrary billing of unmetered customers and non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills.
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, issued a statement in Abuja endorsing NERC’s measures and urging for stronger actions to deter future violations. These stronger measures could include increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.
Abdullahi emphasized that such decisive measures align with the FCCPC’s mandate to protect consumers from unfair practices and exploitation by companies. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for unmetered customers and supporting the enforcement of regulations aimed at achieving this.
He highlighted the importance of the capping regulation in ensuring fair treatment for customers without meters and stated the FCCPC’s full support for its enforcement.
Abdullahi also mentioned the FCCPC’s commitment to organizing electricity consumer platforms across the country, providing opportunities for consumers to voice their complaints and receive instant responses and redress from DisCos and regulators.
He emphasized the need for fundamental reforms in the electricity sector to address systemic challenges, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service.
Abdullahi encouraged consumers who have been affected by arbitrary billing to lodge complaints with their respective DisCos and escalate unresolved issues to NERC or the FCCPC for investigation and redress.
In conclusion, Abdullahi reiterated the FCCPC’s commitment to investigating legitimate complaints and securing redress for consumers affected by unfair billing practices.
