The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has set a deadline for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to refund customers who were erroneously billed under the new electricity tariff.
Abba Terab, NERC’s Deputy General Manager in charge of market competition and rates, announced this development in a statement issued on Saturday.
Under the new directive, DisCos are required to refund affected customers through energy tokens no later than April 11. Additionally, evidence of compliance with NERC’s directive must be filed by April 12.
NERC recently approved an upward adjustment in electricity tariff rates for customers falling under the Band A classification, effective from April 3.
This adjustment saw customers receiving 20 hours of electricity supply daily facing an increase from the previous rate of N66 per kilowatt (kW) to N225 per kW.
In addition to the refund directive, NERC mandated DisCos to provide clear information to affected customers regarding the tariff adjustments.
Terab said: “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.”
