FCCPC trains staff, develops strategy to address metering gap, combat arbitrary estimated billing in electricity sector

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in Nigeria has taken proactive steps to develop a strategy aimed at addressing the metering gap, enforce energy capping order and combating the issue of arbitrary estimated billing in the electricity sector, in alignment with the enforcement of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Customers Protection Regulation.

Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, made this known in his keynote address on Day 1 of the training for FCCPC staff on the implementation of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission Customer Protection Regulations, which commenced on Tuesday, November 14, and scheduled to end on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

The training according to FCCPC is part of efforts to protect the rights of consumers and ensure fair and transparent practices within the energy industry.

 Irukera said, “We must make estimated billing unattractive; that is the only way we can bridge the metering gap. A strategy to enforce the NERC energy capping order should be part of the strategies that would come out of this engagement.

 “A key crux of the matter is so long as an opaque and arbitrary estimated billing system continues, DisCos are not incentivized to make an appreciable effort to close the metering gap.

 “Current estimated billing practices are unjust, exploitative, extortive & essentially raping consumers.

The FCCPC boss therefore highlighted the importance of enforcing the NERC customer protection regulations and energy capping order, stating that these measures should be integral components of the strategies developed during the workshop.

He stated that the ongoing exercise is intended to catalyze the enforcement and implementation of the customer protection regulation.

EnergyDay gathered that the workshop seeks to equip FCCPC staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively enforce consumer protection regulations in the electricity sector, ultimately benefiting consumers and promoting fair competition within the industry.

This initiative underscores FCCPC’s commitment to ensuring consumer rights and fair business practices in the Nigerian electricity market, and it aligns with the commission’s mandate to safeguard consumer interests and promote healthy competition in various sectors of the economy.