Tariff hike: FCCPC, NSE call for metering of all consumers within 60 days

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has backed the recent fine imposed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for violating the Supplementary Order to the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2024 for AEDC.

The FCCPC also called on NERC to direct all DisCoS to meter all electricity consumers within 60 days.

The FCCPC, in statement which was signed by the Acting Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi said. “NERC’s decision to penalise AEDC reinforces FCCPC’s strong advocacy for protecting consumers from unfair market practices, as mandated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

It further stated that, “Notably, this action was taken within 48 hours of the introduction of a new tariff regime for Band A customers.

“Many consumers have expressed fear that the likelihood of arbitrary estimated billing for unmetered Band A customers could lead to consumer abuse and dissatisfaction.

“To address these concerns and promote consumer welfare under the current service reflective tariff regime, FCCPC encourages NERC to mandate DisCos to meter all unmetered Band A customers within 60 days, thus ensuring accurate billing and protecting consumers from arbitrary estimations.

Similarly, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for the metering of all customers falling under Band A so as not to be short charged by the Electricity Distribution Companies.

A statement signed by President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in collaboration with DisCos, should expedite metering initiatives to ensure accurate billing practices and transparency in electricity consumption.