The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive mandating power distribution companies (DisCos) to reimburse all overcharged Band B customers by April 11, amidst the implementation of the April 2024 supplementary Multi-Year Tariff Order.
This follows customer complaints regarding the recent tariff adjustments, particularly affecting those not classified under Band A, who are now subjected to a rate of N225/KWh for electricity consumption.
Earlier in the week, the Federal Government announced the cessation of subsidy payments on electricity consumed by Band A customers, while other bands would continue under the previous tariff structure. However, during the DisCos’ transition to the new payment platforms, numerous customers in Bands B, C, D, and E reported being billed at the higher rate of N225/KWh, contrary to the established tariffs.
In response to the uproar, NERC has instructed all DisCos to rectify the situation by promptly refunding affected customers. They are mandated to ensure that only the newly approved Band A feeders listed in the April 2024 supplementary orders are maintained for vending to prepaid customers and billing for postpaid customers on their networks.
DisCos are required to publish on their websites the schedule of approved Band A feeders impacted by the rate review. Additionally, they must establish a portal by April 10, 2024, enabling customers to check their current bands by entering their meter or account numbers.
NERC emphasized that customers erroneously billed at the new rate should receive refunds through energy tokens no later than April 11, 2024. DisCos are also obligated to submit evidence of compliance with the commission by April 12, 2024.
The commission has pledged to monitor adherence to the stipulated requirements and provide necessary support to all stakeholders. Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to express discontent with the tariff hike and the reclassification of certain customers as Band A, promising 20-hour power supply.
