NERC Issues New Rules for Electricity Companies After Tariff Increase

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a set of guidelines for the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in response to the recent rise in electricity tariffs for Band A customers.

NERC said in an order signed by Abba Terab, DGM (Market Competition & Rate) of the Commission, that the DisCos must provide as much clarity as possible to the affected customers. 

Here are the five directives given to the DisCos to implement

1. 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 postpaid customers on their networks.

2. 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.

3. All DisCos shall set up a portal by April 10, 2024, on their website that allows all customers to check their current Bands by entering their meter or account numbers. 

4. All customers wrongly billed at the new rate should be refunded through energy tokens no later than Thursday, April 11, 2024, and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by April 12, 2024.

5. The Commission shall monitor compliance with the requirements listed above and shall continue to provide support to all stakeholders as required.