NERC fines AEDC N200m for overcharging customers, orders refund

NERC fines AEDC N200m for overcharging customers, orders refund

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has
fined Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) N200 million over tariff
violations after overcharging customers.

 

In a statement on Friday, NERC said AEDC must reimburse
affected customers by April 11.

 

On April 4, AEDC, in a statement, said a system glitch led
the company to overcharge some Band A customers, who have already been
downgraded to Band B due to the number of hours of electricity supply enjoyed
over the past few weeks.

 

The customers were overcharged while trying to recharge
their meters following the new tariff regime.

 

NERC, on April 3, approved the increase in electricity
tariff for Band A customers.

 

The commission said customers who receive 20 hours of
electricity supply daily will pay N225 per kilowatt (kW), starting from April 3
— up from N66.

 

Commenting on the fine, NERC said the decision followed a
detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed AEDC had applied the new
tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the regulator’s directive, which was
designed to ensure fair billing practices.

 

The regulator said AEDC is mandated to reimburse “all
customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the
allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order”.

 

“Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer
tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the
applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected
customers by 11 April 2024.

 

“Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira)
as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order.

 

“File evidence of compliance with the directives in a &
c with the Commission by 12 April 2024.”

 

NERC said the fine underscores its commitment to protecting
consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity
sector.

Source: NERC fines AEDC N200m for overcharging customers, orders refund

 - NigerianEye
Invest in US dollars: https://hashflare.io/r/CF2F6691