Written By: Jacobs Dunga, Lagos
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) through its management released a communique regarding inappropriate billing by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
The NERC through a properly detailed address called out the AEDC for improper and inadequate billing of its customers regarding the supplementary order on tariffs increase.
The apex electricity body passed the order earlier this week on the increase in tariffs which was clearly stated to apply to customers on the Band A, that is, those who enjoy 20-24 hours of power supply daily.
Customers on Bands B, C, D, and E are by the order, exempted from the new tariff prices hence the investigation into AEDC’s billing following a suspected misappropriation coming from customers’ feedback.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) was confirmed to have extended improved charges to customers not within the stipulated range, a measure that has received censure from the apex body.
The AEDC has therefore been fined the total sum of two hundred million naira (200,000,000) for failing to operate within the served order and has been mandated to reimburse the affected customers through their tokens the value of the overcharge at the applicable rate to their Bands on or before April 11.
“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) has taken enforcement action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (“AEDC”) for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for AEDC (the “Order”).
AEDC has been fined ₦200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing.
This decision follows a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.” Reads the header as released by NERC.
“AEDC is therefore mandated to:
Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D, and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order.
“Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by 11 April 2024.
Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order.”
The commission then demanded that the AEDC file evidence of compliance according to the directives by April 12.
“File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024.”
Finally, the commission expressed its sincerity in protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices in the electricity sector.
“The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector.”
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
