Electricity customers who wish to be connected to the grid for electricity supply would no longer need to pay connection fees, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said. Dr. Sam Amadi, the commission’s chairman said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
According to Amadi, customers would buy the materials required for connection and make such available to officials of the local electricity distribution company for connection to the grid.
Henceforth, there would be no direct exchange of monies between the customer and officials of the electricity distribution company for the purpose of connecting the customer.
Customers would receive the list of materials required for connection from their Distribution Company (DISCO) (formerly known as PHCN) Service Centre. When purchased, materials would be evaluated for quality by the DISCO.
Amadi went on to say that customers, who wished to be connected to the grid, must contact licensed electricians nearest to DISCO Service Centre to complete a new service application form.
“The application form would determine the customer’s electricity load based on the quantity and types of appliances (air conditioners, televisions, lighting points, etc.) in the premises.
“It is important for the customer to provide accurate information on appliances for the DISCO to determine the appropriate (single or three-phase) type of meter to be supplied,” Amadi added.
The customer must then return to the DISCO Service Centre with the purchased materials for quality validation.
Amadi assured that the centre would then connect the customer’s premises within 48 hours, in addition to providing a meter and its accessories.
The new regulations were developed by NERC in consultation with electricity distribution companies, civil society groups and electricity consumers. These measures are part of the new connection methodology by NERC to prevent corruption in the sector and protect consumers from fraud and extortion committed against them by electricity companies. Amadi also emphasised that customers would not pay for meters because the cost was factored into the tariff.
Daily Times