The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to downgrade customers in the Band A category if they are unable to meet their supply commitments.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, NERC’s Commissioner for Licensing and Legal, Dafe Apkeneye, explained that if DisCos cannot provide the promised 20 hours of electricity to Band A customers, those customers should be immediately downgraded to a level where the DisCos can meet supply.
“The migration order is not optional for customers. The DisCos must apply and ensure they can supply power to Band A customers. If they cannot, the DisCos must downgrade those customers to a level that aligns with their supply capacity,” Apkeneye stated.
He further clarified that the distribution companies are only able to provide power based on what is available on the grid. “When the grid faces shortages, the DisCos cannot meet their supply commitments. However, with the grid situation being addressed, we hope supply will improve. Until then, DisCos must downgrade customers if they are unable to meet the demand.”
On the issue of regulatory oversight, Apkeneye pointed out that the Nigerian constitution empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. “States now have the authority to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdiction,” he said. “This power is reflected in the concurrent list of the constitution, and it is up to the states to exercise it.”
He highlighted that some states, such as Oyo State, are already taking proactive steps. “The team from Oyo State has notified us of their plans and is currently spending a week at the commission to study our operations. They have also completed training in Ghana and participated in an 11-week international regulatory program. States are building their capacity to manage electricity distribution effectively.”
Apkeneye also addressed customer complaints, emphasizing that NERC’s customer protection regulations, which were consolidated last year, are designed to resolve issues fairly.
“Customers must first report complaints to the DisCos. If the DisCos fail to respond within the set time, the issue can be escalated to NERC’s consumer forum for mediation,” he explained. “We ensure that complaints are addressed fairly, and when customers are overbilled, they receive appropriate compensation. We also take action when customers bypass meters.”
This framework, Apkeneye concluded, is meant to ensure both fair treatment for consumers and efficient service from the DisCos.
