NERC: Transformer Repairs Are the Duty of DisCos, Not Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has made it clear that the responsibility of repairing or replacing faulty electricity transformers lies solely with the power distribution companies (DisCos) and not with the customers. Mrs. Aisha Mamoud, the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs at NERC, emphasized this point during a three-day problem-solving session between customers in Cross River State and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), held from August 8 to August 10.

Mamoud stated that customers pay electricity bills in exchange for services provided and should not bear the cost of replacing or repairing transformers or cables. The meeting was organized to address customer complaints regarding metering, excessive billing, and transformer vandalism, while also educating consumers about their rights within the electricity industry.

Mamoud assured attendees that the NERC is committed to resolving all customer complaints, highlighting that the regulatory body aims to ensure that all consumers, regardless of their location, have access to electricity as a fundamental right. She also noted that DisCos are responsible for providing meters to avoid estimated billing, and the federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DisCos to ensure the provision of meters.

On her part, Mrs. Olubukola Ilevbare, Head of Corporate Communication at PHED, acknowledged the challenges the company faces due to vandalism of transformers and other infrastructure. While PHED has been replacing vandalized transformers, Ilevbare admitted that there are occasions when the company fails to respond promptly to customer needs, although they strive to address genuine complaints effectively.

She reiterated that DisCos are responsible for providing meters, but customers who do not wish to wait can pay for their own meters, which will be installed within 10 days. Ilevbare also confirmed that PHED is responsible for fixing genuinely faulty transformers and that the company is doing its best to meet customer demands.

In his remarks, Joseph Bassey, a House of Representatives member representing Bakassi, Calabar South, and Akpabuyo, expressed concerns about transformer vandalism, excessive billing, and the need for proper billing of consumers in Cross River State. He criticized PHED for failing to maintain infrastructure while continuing to collect money from consumers, and he questioned the practice of categorizing areas into different electricity supply bands, arguing that all citizens have the right to consistent electricity supply.