The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed stringent penalties on Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) for its failure to adhere to the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024.
A fine of ₦200,000,000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) has been levied against AEDC for disregarding the prescribed customer band classifications outlined in the tariff billing regulations.
The Commission’s decision comes following an extensive review process and customer feedback, which exposed AEDC’s indiscriminate application of the new tariff across all customer bands. This practice contradicts the order’s objective of ensuring fair billing practices within the electricity distribution sector.
In response to AEDC’s non-compliance, NERC has mandated the following actions:
1. Customer Reimbursements: AEDC is instructed to reimburse customers in Bands B, C, D, and E respectively, who were billed above the permitted customer categories/tariff bands specified in the Order.
2. Token Reimbursements: Affected customers are entitled to receive the balance of customer tokens at the applicable rates. All token reimbursements must be issued to affected customers no later than April 11, 2024.
3. Fine Payment: A fine of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) is imposed on AEDC for its blatant breach of the Commission’s Order.
4. Compliance Filings: AEDC is required to submit evidence of compliance with the directives outlined in points a and c to the Commission by April 12, 2024.
This enforcement action by NERC underscores its unwavering commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
