NERC has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to downgrade Band A customers if they cannot meet the promised 20 hours of power daily. The Commission emphasized that states now have the constitutional right to regulate their electricity markets and handle complaints through a new customer protection regulation.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to downgrade customers in Band A if they are unable to meet the promised 20 hours of power supply daily. This directive came in response to challenges in power distribution capacity. Dafe Apkeneye, NERC’s Commissioner for Licensing and Legal Affairs, emphasized that if DisCos cannot deliver the required supply, they must downgrade the affected customers to a level that can be supported by the available power.
Apkeneye further stated that this migration process is mandatory for DisCos and should not be at the discretion of customers. When power outages occur or grid supply falls short, customers in Band A will be downgraded accordingly. The regulatory body also noted that states now have constitutional authority to manage electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their regions. This allows states to create and regulate local electricity markets without federal intervention.
Additionally, NERC announced a customer protection framework that consolidates previous regulations. Under this system, customers can lodge complaints with their DisCos first, and if unresolved, NERC’s consumer forum will handle further mediation. The Commission also promised fair resolution for complaints related to overbilling and meter bypasses, ensuring customers’ rights are respected.
