NERC’s overbilling crackdown: AEDC hit with N1.69bn fine, Ikeja electric, N1.41bn, others
AEDC
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Constance Athekame
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and several other electricity distribution firms have been fined for overbilling customers, according to a publication by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
AEDC has been slapped with a fine of N1.69 billion, as detailed in Order NERC/2024/114, published on NERC’s website. This order is part of NERC’s September 2024 Supplementary Order.
The order, signed by NERC Vice-Chairman Mr. Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing, and Compliance Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, follows a thorough investigation into AEDC’s billing practices.
The investigation revealed that AEDC and other distribution companies overcharged customers between January and September 2023.
According to the order, the fines imposed represent 10 percent of the overbilled amount.
The AEDC’s annual operating expenditure will be reduced by N1.69 billion starting from September.
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The Order said that the Benin Distribution Company was fined N804 million, Enugu Distribution Company; N310 million, Eko Distribution Company; N1.41 billion, while Ibadan Distribution was fined N15 million
According to the Order, Ikeja Distribution Company will pay N1.41 billion-fine, Jos Distribution Company; N1.33 billion and Kaduna Distribution Company; N115 million.
Others are Kano Distribution Company; N20 million Port-Harcourt Distribution Company; N1.16 billion and Yola Distribution Company; N54 million.
NERC noted that these penalties are a response to the distribution companies’ failure to comply with previous directives aimed at curbing estimated billing practices.
See how they are fined below:
