Nigeria’s electricity regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has imposed fines totaling N628.03 million on eight power distribution companies—Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola—for flouting rules limiting estimated bills for unmetered consumers.
In a statement released Thursday, NERC disclosed that the penalties followed a review of billing practices from July to September 2024, which exposed violations of mandated monthly energy caps. The fines equate to 5% of the excess amounts charged during the quarter.
Additionally, the regulator ordered these distributors to issue refunds or credit adjustments to affected customers by May 15, 2025, aligning with the April billing cycle deadline. NERC stressed its zero-tolerance stance for arbitrary billing, reaffirming its focus on safeguarding consumers and enforcing compliance in the power sector.
The action stems from a 2020 directive (Order No: NERC/197/2020) that capped estimated bills to mirror the consumption patterns of metered users on the same feeders.
The commission remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding fair practices and protecting electricity consumers nationwide, NERC stated.
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