The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) penalized the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (Abuja DisCo) with a fine of N200 million due to overbilling its customers. A circular from the NERC management accused Abuja Disco of not following the prescribed customer band classifications for tariff billing.

According to the circular, Abuja Disco failed to comply with fair billing practices by implementing the new tariff rates across all customer categories rather than just Band A customers.

This fine comes shortly after the NERC announced an increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers to N225 per kilowatt-hour. Abuja Disco mistakenly applied these new rates to customers outside the affected category. The company later acknowledged the error, attributing it to a system glitch caused by the reclassification of some customers.

Despite the apology, the NERC instructed Abuja Disco to refund customers under Band B to E who were erroneously charged the new tariff rates. The reimbursement is expected to be completed by April 11, 2024.

This action by the NERC highlights its dedication to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fairness in Nigeria's electricity sector.