Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-03-22 11:24:10
Aisha Mahmud, the Commissioner of Customer Affairs at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), recently addressed electricity consumers at a three-day Customers Complaints Resolution Meeting with Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s customers in Lagos. The forum included customers from the Lekki Business Unit, covering areas such as Lekki Phase, Ilasan, Ikota, Ikate, Ikate-Elegushi, Osapa, Chevron, Igbo Efon, and Agungi.
Mrs. Mahmud emphasized the importance of customers not procuring transformers for the DisCos without a formal agreement. She clarified that it is not the responsibility of customers to purchase transformers, cables, or accessories for the distribution companies. In the event that customers do purchase such equipment, they must sign an undertaking with the DisCo.
She also highlighted the role of Meter Asset Providers (MAP) in offering vendor and DisCo financing options for prepaid meters. Addressing the funding constraints within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), especially concerning the National Mass Metering Scheme, she stressed the need for adequate funding and financing mechanisms to improve metering infrastructure and address the metering deficit in Nigeria.
Mrs. Mahmud mentioned the Minister of Power’s involvement in initiatives like the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and the potential for eliminating the metering deficit with adequate funding. She urged customers to assert their rights to quality service when paying their bills and not to invest in distribution network infrastructure like transformers, as this is the responsibility of the DisCos.
On the issue of funding transformer purchases, she explained that if a customer invests in infrastructure like distribution transformers, the DisCos can incorporate the investment into the tariff, enabling them to earn returns over the asset’s economic lifespan. She mentioned the regulations allowing customers to fund the purchase of distribution transformers, with refunds and interest repayment over a specified period.
Mrs. Mahmud reiterated that customers should demand effective service when paying for electricity, emphasizing that investing in the distribution network is not the responsibility of consumers. She encouraged DisCos to use Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) or credits to fund infrastructure purchases.
Susi Eonwuka, the Head of the Lagos Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), called on distribution companies to design effective feedback mechanisms for addressing customer complaints. She assured consumers that the regulator would address all relevant issues raised during the forum.
Osakuni Emmason, the Secretary of the NERC Eko Forum, advised customers to ensure that metering and other electrical equipment belonging to the DisCo are not tampered with or bypassed. He highlighted the seriousness of unauthorized access and energy theft, mentioning the ongoing efforts to criminalize such activities with severe punishments.
In conclusion, the forum served as a platform for customers to voice their concerns and seek resolutions from stakeholders like NERC and FCCPC. It highlighted the importance of customer rights, proper funding for infrastructure, and effective service delivery in the Nigerian electricity sector.
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