Electricity tariff hike: NERC orders DisCos to refund customers wrongly billed

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given 11 electricity distribution companies till April 11, 2024, to refund customers wrongly billed at the new rate.

This was contained in a document signed by the DGM, Market Competition and Rates, Mr Abba Terab, for the commission and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect.

The refund, NERC said, should be through energy tokens no later than April 11, and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by April 12.

It also directed all Electricity Distribution Companies to provide as much clarity as possible to all affected customers.

According to the statement, “The DisCos are hereby directed to implement the following updates;

“All DisCos shall ensure that only the newly approved Band A feeders listed in their April 2024 supplementary orders are maintained as band A for the purpose of vending to prepaid customers and billing for post paid customers on their networks.

“All DisCos are required to immediately post on their websites the schedule of approved Band A feeders that have been affected by the rate review.

“All DisCos shall set up a portal by 10th April 2024 on their website that allows all customers to check their current Bands by entering their meter or account numbers.

“All customers wrongly billed at the new rate should be refunded through energy tokens no later than Thursday 11th April 2024, and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by 12th April 2024.

“The Commission shall monitor compliance with the requirements listed above and shall continue to provide support to all stakeholders as required,” the statement said.