The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive to all Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to enhance transparency and provide clarity to customers regarding the implementation of the April 2024 Supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order.
This was stated in a press release on Saturday noting that the directive includes measures such as maintaining approved Band A feeders, publishing schedules on DisCos’ websites, and setting up a portal for customers to check their current bands.
In a bid to ensure transparency and fairness in the electricity distribution sector, NERC has instructed all DisCos to maintain only the newly approved Band A feeders for vending to prepaid customers and billing for postpaid customers.
To provide customers with up-to-date information, all DisCos have been directed to promptly publish the schedule of approved Band A feeders affected by the rate review on their respective websites, allowing customers to stay informed about any changes that may impact their electricity bills.
To further enhance transparency, DisCos are required to establish a user-friendly portal on their websites by April 10th, 2024. This portal will allow customers to easily check their current bands by entering their meter or account numbers, providing them with clarity on their tariff classification.
In cases where customers have been wrongly billed at the new rate, DisCos are obligated to refund them through energy tokens no later than April 11th, 2024. DisCos must also submit evidence of compliance with this directive to the Commission by April 12th, 2024.
NERC has emphasized its commitment to monitoring compliance with these requirements. By closely overseeing the implementation of the directive, the Commission aims to ensure that customers receive accurate and fair billing while providing support to all stakeholders in the electricity distribution sector.
These measures come as part of NERC’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency and customer satisfaction in the electricity distribution sector. By implementing these directives, the Commission aims to address customer concerns, promote accountability, and foster a more efficient and reliable electricity supply across Nigeria.
As customers eagerly await the implementation of these measures, NERC urges all DisCos to swiftly adhere to the directive and fulfill their obligations in order to provide customers with the transparency and clarity they deserve.
