NERC FINES AEDC N200M FOR VIOLATING NEW TARIFF ORDER, DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REFUND TO CUSTOMERS OVERCHARGED 05-04-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has fined the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC Two Hundred Million Naira for Violation of the New Tariff Order and has directed an immediate refund to Customers overcharged.
According to a Statement by the Commission, it has taken the enforcement action against AEDC for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order.
The Statement notes that, the decision follows a detailed review and Customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new Tariff to all Customer Bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices.
NERC to this end therefore, mandates AEDC is to Reimburse all Customers in Bands B, C, D and E that were billed above the allowed Customer Categories/Tariff Bands provided in the Order.
This according to the Commission should be done by Reimbursing the Customers 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.
Furthermore, AEDC is to pay the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira as a Fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order and file evidence of compliance with the Commission by April 12, 2024.
The Statement adds that, this action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting Consumer Rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nation’s Electricity sector.