NERC fines AEDC ₦200m for raising electricity tariffs for all customers
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has fined the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (“AEDC”) ₦200million for inflating tariffs across its customer bands.
The NERC said that AEDC flouted its directive that the raised tariff is applicable only to customers on Band A.
In its statement, the commission said, “This 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.
“AEDC is therefore mandated to reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order.”
It also ordered the company to “reimburse 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.
“Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order.
“File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024.
“The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector.”
