FCCPC Pushes For Stricter Penalties On Violation Of Estimated Billing

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) decided to punish 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has endorsed this decision and called for more severe penalties against DisCos.

The DisCos’ practice of charging unmetered consumers indiscriminately and disregarding the capping of projected bills provoked NERC’s rulings.

Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, the FCCPC’s Acting Executive Vice Chairman, urged NERC to think about putting in place more stringent measures to stop future infractions in a statement made public on Monday in Abuja.

Abdullahi suggested that these stronger measures could involve increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and, in extreme cases, the revocation of operating licenses for repeat offenders.

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He stated, “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.”

“The FCCPC reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring a better deal for electricity consumers in Nigeria.”

“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,”