As angry reactions continue to trail the recent hike in electricity tariffs, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said it is moving to deepen transparency and accountability in the sector. To this end, the Commission, which has received widespread condemnation over the hike has directed all the eleven electricity distribution companies in the country in the country to create an online portal for their customers to access their band category status.
According to a statement by the DGM of the commission, Abba Terab, NERC averred that the electricity Distribution Companies must set up the online portal on April 10, 2024. According to the commission DISCOs must promptly publish on their websites the timetable for approved Band and feeders impacted by the rate adjustment.
Terab lamented that customers who have been overbilled at the new rate must receive a refund via energy tokens by Thursday, 11th April 2024, while DISCOs must submit proof of compliance to the Commission by 12th April 2024.
The statement reads: “the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) has directed all Electricity Distribution Companies to provide as much clarity as possible to all affected customers.
“All DisCos shall set up a portal by 10th April 2024 on their website that allows all customers to check their current Bands by entering their meter or account numbers.
“All DisCos shall ensure that ONLY the newly approved Band A feeders listed in their April 2024 supplementary orders are maintained as band A for the purpose of vending to prepaid customers and billing for post-paid customers on their networks.
“All DisCos are required to immediately post on their websites the schedule of approved Band A feeders that have been affected by the rate review.
“All customers wrongly billed at the new rate should be refunded through energy tokens no later than Thursday 11th April 2024, and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by 12th April 2024.
“The Commission shall monitor compliance with the requirements listed above and shall continue to provide support to all stakeholders as required,” the statement read. However, The Explainer gathered from some electricity consumers that NERC’s decision was akin to putting the cart before the horse. Some consumers who spoke to this medium insisted that the band portals should have been put in place before the tariff hike.
