Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has provided a dedicated contact email (idn@nerc.gov.ng) and phone number (07074865354) for electricity customers to report any distribution company (DisCo) that requires them to purchase transformers, cables, or poles.

In a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Tuesday, NERC emphasized that the responsibility of procuring distribution equipment lies with the DisCos, not the customers.

According to the regulator, customers should report any instances of coercion to purchase equipment or delays in the provision of these materials to NERC for prompt action.

Recall that Hajia  Mahmud, Commissioner, Customers Affairs, NERC at the commission’s three-day Customers Complaints Resolution Meeting with Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s customers in March 2024, cautioned electricity consumers against self- procurement of transformers, cables and accessories without formal agreement with distribution companies.

She stated during the Forum that, “It is crucial for customers to understand that investing in the distribution network, including transformer purchases, is not their responsibility as consumers.

“While the cost is factored into the electricity tariff, if customers choose to invest in infrastructure like distribution transformers, the law permits DisCos to incorporate the investment into the tariff, enabling them to earn returns over the asset’s economic lifespan.