The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to consider stronger punishments for erring Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
FCCPC made this call on Monday in a statement signed by the Commission’s acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi.
The Commission also commended NERC for
its recent action against eleven DisCos over their non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.
It said this decisive measure aligns with the FCCPC’s mandate outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Section 17 (s).
According to FCCPC, this Act empowers the Commission to protect consumers from obnoxious practices or unscrupulous exploitation by companies, firms, trade associations or individuals, and to demand redress on their behalf.
“We stand in solidarity with NERC in its commitment to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos,” the statement read.
“The capping regulation was a significant step towards ensuring fairer treatment for those without meters, and the FCCPC fully supports its enforcement.
“Furthermore, we urge NERC to consider even stronger measures to deter future violations.
“These could include increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.”
The FCCPC in the statement also reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring a better deal for electricity consumers in Nigeria.
Apart from its routine resolution of electricity consumer complaints, the Commission said it will continue to organise electricity consumer platforms across the country.
It believes that these platforms have provided invaluable opportunities for consumers to voice their complaints and receive instant responses and redress from DisCos and regulators, including the FCCPC.
FCCPC added that it’s existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC also aims to ensure more effective protection for electricity consumers through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions.
The Commission believes that fundamental reforms are necessary to address the systemic challenges facing the sector, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service.
“We encourage consumers who have been shortchanged by estimated bills to come forward and lodge complaints with their respective DisCos, and escalate such complaints to NERC or the FCCPC, when not satisfactorily resolved. We are committed to investigating all legitimate complaints and securing redress for consumers,” it stated.
