The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc was on Friday slammed with a hefty fine of N200 million for imposing the recent tariff hike on consumers outside the approved group.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission recently approved upward review of electricity tariff
for Category A consumers but AEDC billed some consumers outside the category, which the regulator frowned at.
The NERC in a statement signed by the management mandated AEDC to make refunds to the affected customers.
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.
It said, “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 11 April 2024.
“Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000 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”, the statement added.
