The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC, Eko Electricity Distribution Company EKEDC and other distribution companies across Nigeria are to begin charging of customers per hour of electricity supplied.
This is on the backdrop of the recent announcement by Federal Government where it directed Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to bill consumers according to the hours of electricity supplied.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) gave the directive in a statement via its Twitter handle on Tuesday.
The commission also instructed the electricity distribution companies to install meters purchased by consumers within ten days of payment.
It also asked the DisCos to take into cognisance the epileptic supply in the country following the collapse of the national grid last month.
FCCP urged the DisCos to respect consumers’ rights, as complaints against the electricity distribution companies rose to 478,415 in the first six months of last year.
The statement reads, “During this period of severe electricity shortages and palpable customer dissatisfaction, DisCos must be mindful of their commitments and respect consumers’ rights.
“Customers shall be billed according to the hours of electricity supplied (approved band classification). You have a right to contest the tariff band classification you have been assigned.
“Payment for meters shall not be made if meters are not available. The Meter Asset Provider (MAP) shall install the meter at the premises of the customer within 10 working days of payment.”