Consider plights of electricity customers in tarrif review fccpc urges nerc

A very timely and relevant topic!

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has indeed urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to consider the plights of electricity customers during the ongoing tariff review process.

For context, the NERC is currently reviewing the electricity tariff in Nigeria, which has been a contentious issue for years. The review aims to ensure that the tariffs reflect the actual cost of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity, while also taking into account the economic realities of the country.

However, the FCCPC has expressed concerns that the current tariff structure is not consumer-friendly and has led to widespread complaints from electricity customers. Some of the issues raised by the FCCPC include:

  1. High tariffs: The current tariffs are seen as unaffordable by many electricity customers, particularly low-income households and small businesses.
  2. Lack of transparency: The tariff structure is perceived as opaque, making it difficult for customers to understand the basis for their bills.
  3. Inefficient distribution: The distribution network is often inefficient, leading to high losses and wastage of electricity, which is ultimately passed on to customers.
  4. Inadequate metering: Many customers are not metered, leading to estimated billing and disputes over bills.

To address these concerns, the FCCPC has urged the NERC to consider the following:

  1. Reduce tariffs: The FCCPC has called for a reduction in tariffs to make electricity more affordable for consumers.
  2. Introduce a more transparent tariff structure: The FCCPC has advocated for a tariff structure that is easy to understand and transparent in its calculation.
  3. Improve distribution efficiency: The FCCPC has emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of the distribution network to reduce losses and wastage.
  4. Increase metering: The FCCPC has urged the NERC to prioritize the installation of meters to ensure accurate billing and reduce disputes.

Overall, the FCCPC's intervention is a welcome development, as it highlights the need for a more consumer-centric approach to electricity tariff review. By considering the plights of electricity customers, the NERC can ensure that the tariff review process is fair, transparent, and beneficial to all stakeholders.