Electricity Tariff Hike: 4 Things NERC Wants Consumers to do to Ensure DisCos Don't Cheat
- NERC has hinted to electricity consumers on a few important actions to take ahead of the new tariff regime
- The regulatory agency advised consumers to visit their DisCo's website to see if they are affected by the tariff adjustment
- NERC also urged consumers to report quality of service delivery so that appropriate action can be instituted against erring DisCos
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Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the stock market.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently approved the increase in electricity tariffs for customers categorised under Band A.
Musliu Oseni, the Vice-Chairman of NERC, disclosed this ratification during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, April 3.
Source: UGC
Oseni stated that customers under the Band A feeders, benefiting from a daily provision of 20 hours of electricity, will now be subjected to a tariff of N225 per kilowatt (kW), effective from April 3, marking a significant increase from the previous rate of N66.
Oseni clarified that customers in the remaining Bands (B -E) would not be affected by the review, but that has not been the case, according to reports.
However, many customers who claim not to have up to 20 hours of electricity and belong to Band B -E have reported being charged the latest increase of N225 per kilowatt (kW).
What consumers are obligated to do
As a result of the confusion, NERC has ordered electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund customers wrongly billed at the new rate.
In a follow-up to the instructions to the DisCos, NERC has hinted consumers on a few important actions to take ahead of the new tariff regime.
Know your Band
Visit your DisCo website to see if you are affected by this tariff change. You can check the revised list of Band A customers (reduced from over 1000 feeders to about 480) or use your account number to check your Band.
Monitor Quality of Service
If you are a Band A customer, your DisCo is expected to provide you with at least 20 hours of electricity daily. It is your right to receive those minimum hours of power daily. Monitor it. Report it.
Report
Report Quality of Service delivery to NERC so appropriate action can be instituted against the erring DisCo.
Overcharged?
If you are a Band B-E customer under the new tariff regime and you are overcharged for electricity tokens, report it immediately. The government is still subsidising your electricity at the old rates.
NERC has ordered all DisCos to refund all erroneous deductions from customers not in the revised Band A, latest April 12, 2024.
The regulatory agency also announced the establishment of NERC Forum Offices where consumers can escalate unresolved or unsatisfactorily resolved complaints already lodged at the DisCos.
Agreeing with what NERC has been doing recently, Wale Ogundeji, an energy analyst told Legit.ng that electricity consumers need to be updated with power matters.
Read also
“Electricity tariff hike”: Step-by-step guide to checking if you’re on Band A, B, C, others
He said:
"The NERC seems to have stepped up its duties in sensitizing the public as regards issues related to power supply. However, they should ensure the consumers are protected from the unfair treatment and charges by distribution companies."
NERC issues fresh instructions to DisCos
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that NERC has sent a directive to DisCos regarding the execution of the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NERC emphasised that the commission has instructed all DisCos to offer maximum clarity to all impacted customers.
It highlighted that all DisCos must promptly publish the schedule of approved Band A feeders affected by the rate review on their websites.
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Source: Legit.ng
