The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed all eleven DisCos in the country to create an online portal for their customers to access their Band category status.
This follows the recent upward review of the electricity tariff of consumers classified as Band A category.
This was disclosed in a statement by the DGM of the commission, Abba Terab on Saturday, noting that the electricity distribution companies have until 10 April 2024 to set up an online portal.
Terab also directed the DisCos to publish on their websites the timetable for the approved Band A feeders affected by the rate adjustment as soon as possible.
According to NERC, customers who have been overbilled at the new rate must receive a refund via energy tokens by Thursday, 11th April 2024, while DisCos must submit proof of compliance to the Commission by 12th April 2024.
“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) has directed all Electricity Distribution Companies (“DisCos”) to provide as much clarity as possible to all affected customers.
“All DisCos shall set up a portal by 10th April 2024 on their website that allows all customers to check their current Bands by entering their meter or account numbers.
“All DisCos shall ensure that ONLY the newly approved Band A feeders listed in their April 2024 supplementary orders are maintained as Band A for vending to prepaid customers and billing for post-paid customers on their networks.
“All DisCos are required to immediately post on their websites the schedule of approved Band A feeders that have been affected by the rate review.
“All customers wrongly billed at the new rate should be refunded through energy tokens no later than Thursday 11th April 2024, and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by 12th April 2024.
“The Commission shall monitor compliance with the requirements listed above and shall continue to provide support to all stakeholders as required,” NERC said.
AMBusiness reported earlier that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had increased the electricity rates to N225 per kilowatt-hour (KWh) for customers in the Band A category.
This was revealed in a press statement by the Vice Chairman of NERC Musliu Oseni on Wednesday.