Estimated Billing: NERC Sanctions IBEDC, IKEDC, Others, Asked To Refund Unmetered Customers

After many years of complains by the majority of Nigerians over estimated billing of electricity, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned 11 Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos for overbilling their unmetered Customers unlawfully.

While informing all electricity users of their right on Wednesday, the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) in a press release, enlightend all consumers to use the window provided to check the amount illegally deducted for a refund.

It could be recalled that in 2020, the Commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.

According to NERC; “Order on Non-Compliance with Capping of Estimated Bills to Distribution Licensees
February 15, 2024.

“NERC Sanctions Eleven (11) DisCos Over Non-Compliance with Capping of Estimated Bills for Unmetered Customers.

“The public may recall that in 2020, the Commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.

“A review of the Electricity Distribution Companies (“DisCos”) billing of unmetered customers for 2023 has revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission.

“In response to this and in a bid to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos, the Commission, pursuant to Section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023 (“EA 2023”), has issued the Order on Non-Compliance with Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/2024/004-014) which stipulates the following:

_Credit Adjustment for Customers: DisCos are to issue credit adjustments to all overbilled unmetered customers for the period January to September 2023 by the March 2024 billing cycle.

_Public Notice: DisCos have been directed to publish the list of credit adjustment beneficiaries in two National Dailies and on their website no later than 31st March 2024.

_Regulatory Sanctions: The Commission shall deduct a sum of N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the eleven (11) DisCos during the next tariff review, to deter future non-compliance with the energy caps approved by the Commission.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the release ordered.

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To confirm if you are eligible for a refund, kindly visit https://creditadjustment.nerc.gov.ng

However, at the time of filing this report, no evidence of refund to customer was confirmed.