The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that the responsibility of replacing or repairing faulty electricity transformers lies with power distribution companies (DisCos), not with the customers.
This was stated by Mrs. Aisha Mamoud, Commissioner for Consumer Affairs at NERC, during a three-day problem-solving session held from August 10th in Cross River State, aimed at addressing issues between consumers and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Mamoud emphasized that consumers pay electricity bills for services rendered, and should not be burdened with the cost of replacing or repairing transformers or cables. She explained that the meeting was convened in response to widespread customer complaints regarding metering, excessive billing, and transformer vandalism. The goal was to educate consumers about their rights within the electricity industry and to resolve their complaints on the spot.
She further reiterated that it is the DisCos’ duty to provide meters to customers in order to prevent estimated billing. The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DisCos to ensure the provision of meters. Mamoud assured that NERC is committed to maximizing access to electricity for all consumers, regardless of their location, as it is a fundamental right.
Mrs. Olubukola Ilevbare, Head of Corporate Communication at PHEDC, acknowledged the challenges the company faces due to vandalism, which has contributed to transformer issues in the state. She mentioned that PHEDC has often replaced transformers that were vandalized by criminals, though there are times when the company may not respond to customer complaints as promptly as desired due to high demands.
Regarding meter provision, Ilevbare stated that while it is the responsibility of DisCos to supply meters, customers who prefer not to wait can pay for their own meters, which will be installed within ten days. She also noted that PHEDC has been striving to meet customer needs, including repairing genuinely faulty transformers.
In his remarks, House of Representatives member Joseph Bassey, representing Bakassi, Calabar South, and Akpabuyo, expressed his concerns over issues such as vandalism and excessive billing of customers. He called for fair billing practices and criticized the practice of categorizing areas into different electricity supply bands, arguing that everyone has the right to access electricity. Bassey highlighted the importance of addressing electricity issues to reduce hardship and boost the economy in Cross River State.