Oredola Adeola

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has thrown its support behind the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for imposing a N10.5 billion fine on eleven Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) for failing to comply with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers, also makes commitment to help affected electricity consumers to address unresolved billing issues.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Ag. Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, made this known in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Monday.

According the FCCPC’s  Ag. Executive Vice Chairman, the decisive measure by NERC aligns with the FCCPC’s mandate outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Section 17 (s), which empowers the Commission to protect consumers from obnoxious practices or unscrupulous exploitation by companies, firms, trade associations or individuals, and to demand redress on their behalf.

He also reiterated FCCPC’s support for the NERC in ensuring the protection of unmetered electricity customers from arbitrary billing by Distribution Companies (DisCos).

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi said, “The capping regulation was a significant step towards ensuring fairer treatment for those without meters, and the FCCPC fully supports its enforcement.”

The FCCPC Boss further encouraged NERC to consider even stronger measures to deter future violations, including increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.

He therefore said, “Apart from its routine resolution of electricity consumer complaints, the Commission will continue to organise electricity consumer platforms across the country. These platforms have provided invaluable opportunities for consumers to voice their complaints and receive instant responses and redress from DisCos and regulators, including the FCCPC.

“FCCPC’s existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC aims to ensure more effective protection for electricity consumers through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions.

“The Commission believes that fundamental reforms are necessary to address the systemic challenges facing the sector, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service,” he noted.

Dr. Abdullahi further charged electricity consumers who have been shortchanged by estimated bills to come forward and lodge complaints with their respective DisCos, and escalate such complaints to NERC or the FCCPC, when not satisfactorily resolved, promising to investigate all legitimate complaints and securing redress for consumers.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC therefore noted that the Commission will persistently collaborate with NERC to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerian electricity consumers receive fair treatment, accurate billing, and quality service.