Seriously? NERC warns electricity consumers against corrupt PHCN workers

by Isi Esene

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has warned electricity consumers to be alert to the antics of some Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN) workers.

This warning was given by Tony Akah yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. He said the commission was aware that some PHCN officials compel consumers to pay for transformers, electricity poles, cables, and meters.

Akah, who is NERC’s general manager, government and consumer affairs, advised consumers who felt cheated by any PHCN employee to file their complaints with the commission so that necessary actions can be taken.

He disclosed that it was illegal for the PHCN to arbitrarily give consumers estimated bills.

Akah reportedly said, “We are aware of such things like customers being forced to buy meters, transformers, electric poles. We are urging you as journalists to help us expose these people.

“Nigerian consumers should be fully alert to the trend. You have phones that have cameras, record these things and bring them to us.

“Be rest assured that as soon as we prove that there is a violation of this, we will consider it as a pure criminal violation and we as a commission will take it to the highest level and ensure that whoever the culprits are, will be brought to book.

“We ask the consumers to compile and properly file any complaints about PHCN employees asking them to buy transformers, poles, cables and meters.

“When we look at the individuals’ consumers complaints from our databank, we will be able to make PHCN do what it is supposed to do.

Akah said the commission has useful information that would enable it come up with more effective regulations, and effectively monitor the rules.

He promised that the commission will continue to organize power consumer assembly which is a platform to bring stakeholders together to harness ideas and receive complaints from consumers with a view to addressing it.

One comment

  1. Angwan boro1 in sabo region of Kaduna kaduna state have been witnessing a very frustrating supply of power.

    After the increase in tarrif we expect more efficiency and we are not even expected to contribute towards any PHCN installation. The tarrif increase ought to take care of that.

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