NERC directs Jos DisCo to reimburse funeral costs, compensate family of electrocuted woman in Benue

Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive to the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) Plc to reimburse the funeral costs incurred by the family of Mrs. Janet Ogbanje, who was electrocuted within the JED PLC network area in Benue.

This was the outcome of the final settlement agreement and payment of compensation meeting convened by NERC between the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) and the estate of the late Mrs. Janet Ogbanje, at the NERC headquarter, Abuja, on Thursday.

EnergyDay gathered that the directive was issued after an investigation by NERC into the incident, which found that JED was responsible for the electrocution due to its failure to maintain its network infrastructure. In addition, NERC has instructed JED to enter negotiations for a compensation settlement with the family.

NERC said it regretted the occurrence of the unfortunate accident leading to the fatal electrocution of the victim, NERC directed JED Plc to reimburse the funeral costs incurred by the family and enter negotiations for a compensation settlement.

Beside convening the meeting on the final settlement agreement between both parties, NERC has issued a directive to JED to improve on its safety records to forestall future accidents and the network management plan would be monitored closely by NERC and other agencies of government.

Matthew Ogbanje, Representative of the victim’s family at the meeting commended the intervention process of NERC, claiming that the intervention was crucial in bringing the issue to a close.

He said, “We are glad to see NERC as a public service institution that is giving hope to Nigerians, as it is quite responsive, ”

NERC has therefore emphasized that it takes the safety of electricity consumers seriously and will not tolerate any negligence on the part of electricity distribution companies. The Commission also called on other electricity distribution companies to prioritize the safety of their consumers.