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Just in: NERC orders AEDC to pay fine of N200m over unfair billing after electricity tariff hike
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has slammed a N200 million fine on the Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) over unfair billing after the recent electricity tariff hike.
Recall that NERC had on Wednesday hike tariff from N68/kWh to N225/kWh for electricity consumers in Band A, who enjoy power supply for an average of 20 hours daily.
However, AEDC owned up to having wrongly billed customers who tried to recharge their metres following the new tariff regime.
The Management of AEDC subsequently tendered an apology for the unfair billing in a notice to its customers in Abuja on Thursday.
In trying to explain the unfair billing AEDC stated: ”This is to inform customers across the AEDC franchise that we are aware of the wrong charges faced by some Band A customers who tried to recharge their metres following the new tariff regime.
“This is due to a system glitch caused by the reclassification of some Band A customers who have now been downgraded to B due to the number of hours of electricity supply enjoyed over the past few weeks.
“These erstwhile Band A customers who vended were charged the new tariff of N225 per Kilowatt Hour. Our team is working to identify the customers affected and all excess charges will be refunded”.
According to AEDC, the situation also saw some Band A customers who are now charged N225 vend at the old rate
The company said that once the glitch is resolved, these categories of customers would now recharge their metres at the new rate of N225, which will ensure they enjoy a minimum supply of 20 hours daily.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this change
We remain committed to improving the power supply to all categories of customers, and we crave your understanding and support as we do this, ‘’ it said.
However, NERC would not accept the explanation of AEDC, having fined the electricity distributor N200 million for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing
In a statement issued by the NERC management in Abuja on Friday, the commission stressed AEDC was fined for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for the company.
NERC said that AEDC will pay the N200 million as a fine for the flagrant breach of the commission’s order.
According to the NERC, 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.
”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.
”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 April 11, 2024,”it said.
The commission also directed the AEDC to file evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by April 12.
“The action by the commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector,” it stated
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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