FCCPC to Sanction 11 DisCos Non-compliance With the Capping of Estimated Bills for Unmetered Customers - Adamu Abdullahi

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently announced that it would implement stricter sanctions against 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over their non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.

This was announced by Adamu Abdullahi, the executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of FCCPC, who supported the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's (NERC) recent actions against the DisCos.

Abdullahi says that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission commends the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for its recent action against 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.

We stand in solidarity with NERC in its commitment to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by DisCos. The capping regulation was a significant step towards ensuring fairer treatment for those without metres, and the FCCPC fully supports its enforcement.

Furthermore, we urge NERC to consider more robust measures to deter future violations. This could include increased financial penalties, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and even revoking operating licences for persistent offenders.

The FCCPC CEO also said that the Commission Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NERC aims to ensure more effective protection for electricity consumers through information sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions.

While announcing this, he added that the commission believes fundamental reforms are necessary to address the sector's systemic challenges, including metering gaps, billing malpractices, and inadequate customer service.

The FCCPC will persistently collaborate with NERC to work tirelessly to ensure Nigerian electricity consumers receive fair treatment, accurate billing, and quality service. We stand united in ensuring a fair and just electricity market for all consumers in Nigeria.

Recall that on February 8, 2024, NERC imposed N10.5 billion in fines on the country's 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) for non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.