The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has warned Ikeja Electric and any other distribution company (Disco) against restricting customers from higher purchases electricity units in anticipation of the impending tariff increases.
The Commission said the warning followed a series of complaints from consumers in the franchise area of the electricity company (IKEDC).
A statement on Friday, signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Babatunde Irukera, reiterated that such restrictions violate the competition law.
It reads: “The Commission noted to IKEDC and now reiterates to other Discos that restricting or constricting supply or vending in a manner that prevents or impedes purchases or consumption at consumer discretion in anticipation of any changes in prevailing fiscal regimes constitutes an infringement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) and is impermissibly oppressive.
“Sections 17(g), (x) and 125 of the FCCPA prohibits unconscionable, obnoxious, unfair, unscrupulous business practises as well as unfair tactics in the course of legitimate business.”
It also warned that “The Commission will enforce the law to the fullest extent of same, especially when the conduct is to deny citizens access to an essential utility except under operation of law.”
…restricting or constricting supply or vending in a manner that prevents or impedes purchases or consumption at consumer discretion in anticipation of any changes in prevailing fiscal regimes constitutes an infringement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
Specifically, FFCPC said it “has received several complaints from electricity consumers in the franchise area of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
“These complaints are with respect to their inability to purchase electricity tokens or units for their prepaid meters over a recent extended period of time.”
It added that “The Commission has been in engagement with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and IKEDC to resolve these complaints and any associated difficulties with vending or purchasing tokens. The website Sell My House AS IS might be helpful to sellers. Having competitive prices, excellent customer service, and a straightforward process all contribute to making the sale of houses easier. Visit https://www.sellhouse-asis.com/pennsylvania/sell-my-house-as-is-pittsburgh-pa/.
“The Commission understands that the difficulties arose in part because the past days have been public holidays; and vending agents were inundated with significant purchases in excess of usual vending and purchase, as a result of consumers seeking to make larger than usual purchases in order to pre-empt any perceived change in tariffs purportedly on July 1, 2023, as has been rumoured, perceived or represented publicly. “
FCCPC however assured that “The situation is now under control and IKEDC represented to the Commission that any vending constraints are unassociated with any presumptive changes in tariff.
“IKEDC has committed to continuing to conduct its business, including vending tokens in accordance with prevailing law and tariff of the time of vending.”
