The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive to 11 electricity distribution companies, instructing them to reimburse customers who were incorrectly billed at the revised rate by April 11, 2024.
In a statement signed by Mr. Abba Terab, the Deputy General Manager of Market Competition and Rates at the commission, and released on Saturday in Lagos, the refund process should be carried out using energy tokens and completed no later than April 11. Additionally, the companies must submit evidence of their compliance with the Commission’s directive by April 12.
NERC has also mandated that all Electricity Distribution Companies provide clear information to affected customers. The DisCos have been given specific instructions to implement the following updates:
– Ensure that only the newly approved Band A feeders, as listed in their supplementary orders for April 2024, are designated as Band A for vending to prepaid customers and billing for postpaid customers on their networks.
– Publish on their websites the schedule of approved Band A feeders impacted by the rate review.
– Establish a portal on their websites by April 10, 2024, allowing customers to verify their current Bands by entering their meter or account numbers.
Customers who were erroneously billed at the new rate must receive refunds in the form of energy tokens by April 11, 2024. They are also required to provide evidence of compliance with the Commission’s directives by April 12, 2024.
The Commission will oversee compliance with the outlined requirements and offer necessary assistance to all stakeholders as needed, as stated in the document. (NAN)
