The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (Discos) to immediately downgrade customers in the Band A category if they are unable to meet the promised 20 hours of power supply.
This directive was issued by the Commissioner for Licensing and Legal Affairs at NERC, Dafe Apkeneye, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday.
Apkeneye explained that if a Disco cannot deliver the promised 20 hours of electricity to Band A customers, those customers must be downgraded to a level that matches the Disco’s ability to supply power.
He emphasised that this migration is not voluntary for customers but is a necessary adjustment based on the Disco’s capacity to deliver consistent power.
“If the Discos can’t supply such customers, the discos have to downgrade such customers to meet what they can provide,” Apkeneye stated. He noted that Discos are limited by the power available on the grid, meaning that if there is insufficient supply to the grid, Discos cannot meet their commitments to customers.
The NERC Commissioner further explained that, while the situation has been challenging, there is hope for improved supply as the grid stabilises.
However, he cautioned that when Discos cannot meet their obligations, they must take necessary steps to adjust customers’ categories to align with their actual supply capacity.
On the matter of regulatory oversight, Apkeneye clarified that states have been empowered by the Nigerian constitution to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. He pointed out that this development allows states to create their own electricity markets and regulate them independently.
“States now have powers for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within the states without restrictions,” Apkeneye said.
He further noted that states, such as Oyo State, are already building capacity to exercise these powers and are working closely with NERC to learn and grow in their regulatory capabilities.
For customers seeking redress for unresolved issues with Discos, Apkeneye reaffirmed NERC’s commitment to consumer protection. He explained that customers must first lodge complaints with their Discos.
If unresolved, complaints can be escalated to NERC’s Consumer Forum, where mediation and redress will take place. NERC ensures that cases of overbilling and meter bypassing are addressed fairly, aiming to provide customers with appropriate resolutions.
The announcement comes as the Nigerian power sector continues to face challenges related to inconsistent supply and customer dissatisfaction. With the recent directive, NERC aims to enhance accountability and ensure more effective power distribution across the country.
