By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) commends the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its recent action against 11 distribution companies (DisCos) for non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.
A statement yesterday by the Ag. Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, said the measure aligns with the FCCPC’s mandate outlined in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, particularly Section 17 (s).
The 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.”
The statement reads further: “We stand in solidarity with NERC in its commitment to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos. 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. This could include increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even the revocation of operating licenses for persistent offenders.”
Reassuring consumers of its unwavering commitment, it said that “Apart from its routine resolution of electricity consumer complaints, the Commission will continue to organise electricity consumer platforms across the country.
“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.”
It added that “FCCPC’s existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC 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.
FCCPC’s existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC aims to ensure more effective protection for electricity consumers through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions.
