In a bold move to empower Nigerians and curb exploitative practices in the electricity sector, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released an extensive list of rights due to every electricity consumer in the country.
The public notice, personally signed by the Acting CEO/Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Akah, was issued on Saturday and titled “Good News For Electricity Consumers!” It underscores NERC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and customer protection in the electricity value chain.
Dr. Akah stated that the Commission has “taken the bull by the horn” by clearly outlining consumer rights to protect Nigerians from arbitrary disconnections, estimated billing irregularities, and undue responsibilities imposed by electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
Among the key provisions, NERC declared that:
1. Disconnection Without Notice Is Illegal: DisCos must give prior written notice before disconnecting any customer’s power supply.
2. Mandatory Metering Before New Connections: No new customer should be connected to electricity supply without a properly installed meter.
3. CAPMI Metering Deadline: Customers who pay for meters under the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme must be metered within 60 days, or else billing and disconnection are prohibited.
4. Transparent Billing Rights: Unmetered customers must be billed based on NERC’s estimated billing methodology.
5. Right to Dispute Bills: Customers can contest estimated bills and are only required to pay the last undisputed amount during the resolution process.
6. Timely Complaint Resolution: Customers have the right to swift investigation and resolution of electricity-related complaints.
7. DisCos Responsible for Infrastructure: It is not the duty of customers or communities to buy or repair transformers, poles, or similar equipment.
8. Right to Escalate Complaints: If a customer’s complaint is not adequately resolved at the DisCo level, it can be escalated to the NERC Forum Office in the region and, if needed, further appealed to NERC Headquarters in Abuja.
To improve consumer access and communication, NERC also published contact details for its zonal officers across the six geopolitical zones:
South-West – Joseph John (08164201445)
South-South – Tony Ray Ene (08130363581)
South-East – Ekeh Samuel Chukwuemeka (08062219714)
North-West – Hassan Gwandu (07061117416)
North-East – Mohammed Umar Fufore (07061097132)
North-Central – Friday Sule (07036948408)
The Commission encouraged Nigerians to circulate this information widely to help curb systemic exploitation and promote a culture of consumer protection.
However, NERC also reminded consumers of their obligations. “Note that you have an obligation to pay your valid electricity bills, avoid meter bypass or electricity theft, and protect power infrastructure from vandalism,” the notice warned.
The public is urged to report any infractions or unresolved complaints promptly to ensure a more just, responsive, and efficient power sector.
