DisCos Cannot Disconnect A Customer Without Written Notice – NERC Warns

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reminded electricity distribution companies (DisCos) that customers should not have their power supply disconnected without prior written notification.

The Commission also stated that new electricity customers must be metered before being connected to electricity supply, reinforcing consumer protections around disconnection and metering.

The position was contained in a public notice attributed to NERC and sighted by Truth Live News on social media.

According to the notice, it is illegal for an electricity distribution company to disconnect a customer’s power supply without first notifying the customer in writing.

NERC said the notification requirement is part of the rights of electricity consumers and is intended to ensure that customers are properly informed before their electricity service is disconnected.

The Commission further stated that all new electricity connections must be carried out strictly on the basis of metering before connection.

In its words, “all new electricity connections must be done strictly on the basis of metering before connection,” meaning that no new customer should be connected without a meter first being installed.

The notice also reiterated that customers have the right to receive written notification ahead of any disconnection by the electricity distribution company serving their premises, in line with NERC’s guidelines.

NERC urged electricity consumers to take advantage of the complaint channels available to them whenever they believe their rights have been violated.

The Commission advised customers to first direct complaints concerning electricity supply and billing issues to the business unit of the DisCo serving their premises.

Where the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, NERC said the customer may escalate the matter to the NERC Forum Office within the coverage area of the relevant electricity distribution company.

The Commission said consumers also have the right to appeal the decision of the forum at NERC headquarters in Abuja.

NERC, however, reminded consumers that their rights come with obligations, including payment of valid electricity bills, avoidance of meter bypass and electricity theft, as well as protection of power infrastructure from vandalism.