By Agatha Chitumu, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - 11 electricity Distribution Commission (Discos) have been fined N9.129bn by the Nigerian electricity Distribution Commission (NERC) for overbilling their customers under estimated billing.
The fine was contained under the September 2024 Supplementary Order of the Multi Year Tariff Order of 2024.
A review of the documents showed that Abuja Disco had the most fines with N1.69bn followed by Eko Disco, N1.41bn, Ikeja Disco was also fined N1.41bn.
Others include Jos Disco with N1.33bn, Port Harcourt Disco was fined N1.16bn, Benin Disco was fined N804m; Enugu Disco, N310m; Ibadan Disco, N15m; Kaduna Disco, N115m; Yola Disco, N54m; Kano Disco N20m and Ibadan Disco, N15m.
Issued on August 30, the order, signed by NERC Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing, and Compliance Dafe Akpeneye, followed a comprehensive investigation into AEDC’s billing practices.
This penalty, NERC noted, is a response to the Discos’ non-compliance with previous directives aimed at capping estimated billing for electricity consumers.
With the measures, Discos are required to enhance its service delivery and adhere to service-based tariffs.
Also, the companies must publish explanations on its website within 24 hours if it fails to provide a committed level of service on Band A feeders for two consecutive days.
The initiative, NERC noted, would bolster the reliability of electricity supply within their service area.
