Emmanuel OchayiIn a bid to ensure fair treatment for electricity consumers, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rallied consumers to report any discrepancies in their electricity bills promptly.
This call comes in the wake of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) sanctions against 11 power distribution companies (DisCos) for failing to comply with regulations capping estimated bills for unmetered customers.
Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance, stating, “We stand in solidarity with NERC in its commitment to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos.”
He further urged consumers who have been overcharged to lodge complaints with their respective DisCos and escalate unresolved issues to regulatory bodies like NERC or FCCPC.
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Abdullahi also called for stronger deterrents against future violations, suggesting increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.
“The FCCPC reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring a better deal for electricity consumers in Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The FCCPC-NERC partnership aims to bolster consumer protection through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions. Fundamental reforms are deemed necessary to address systemic challenges in the sector, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service.
In response to the recent NERC sanctions, a representative from one of the affected DisCos expressed regret over the situation, stating, “We acknowledge the lapses in compliance and are committed to rectifying the issue to restore consumer trust.” The DisCo assured customers of improved adherence to regulatory guidelines in the future.
As the discourse on consumer rights in the electricity sector gains momentum, stakeholders underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective regulatory oversight in ensuring a fair and equitable system for all consumers.
