The National Electricity Regulatory Commission has encouraged consumers to know their rights and obligations within the sector.
NERC noted that it will help strengthen the business relationship between the Discos and consumers.
NERC’s Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Aisha Mohammed, said the mandate of the NERC is to protect the interest of the public and resolve complaints as well as investigate complex issues to find lasting solutions to them.
Mohammed spoke at the Discos and Customers Care Forum in Benin, Edo State on Wednesday.
She said the commission created the Metre Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulation to effectively close the metering gap, enhance revenue assurance, eliminate estimated billing and attract private investment in metering.
Mohammed, however, assured the stakeholders that in addition to sanctions approved by the NERC, the National Assembly is considering a request to criminalise the rising cases of illegal connection, metre bypassing, and tampering.
She said, “The NERC is out to let consumers know their rights and obligations within the sector. This will help strengthen the business relationship between the Discos and consumers.
“It has been reported by the successor distribution companies that at least four in every 10 prepaid metres installed are either bypassed or tampered with by customers with consequential adverse impact on revenue recovery and financial viability of the industry.
“In addition to sanctions approved by the NERC, the National Assembly is considering a request to criminalise the rising cases of illegal connection, meter bypassing, and tampering. We need this law to ensure that things are done right in the sector.”
