NERC Orders Immediate Downgrade For Discos Failing To Meet 20-Hour Power Supply To Band A Customers
2 min read
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (Discos) to downgrade customers in the Band A category if they are unable to provide the promised 20-hour daily power supply.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, NERC’s Commissioner for Licensing and Legal Affairs, Dafe Apkeneye, emphasized that customers who are not receiving adequate supply should be moved to a lower category. He stressed that this directive is a necessary measure to ensure that customers only receive service in line with the Discos’ actual power supply capabilities.
“If Discos cannot meet the 20-hour supply promise for Band A customers, they must downgrade those customers to the level for which they can consistently supply,” Apkeneye stated. “The Discos are only able to distribute power available on the national grid, and if there is insufficient supply, they must align their customer classification accordingly.”
READ ALSO: Obasanjo Calls For Overhaul Of INEC, Demands Sacking Of Mahmood Yakubu
Apkeneye further clarified that the regulation is not optional for consumers but a requirement that Discos must implement to manage expectations and provide service based on actual capacity.
He reassured that the grid is improving and expects power supply to stabilize, but for now, the downgrade remains mandatory when supply limits are reached.
In addition, Apkeneye touched on the ongoing discussions surrounding state involvement in electricity regulation, stating that Nigerian states now have constitutional powers to manage their electricity markets, including generation, transmission, and distribution.
“States are already taking steps to build capacity in electricity regulation. For instance, the Oyo State team is undergoing training with international bodies to ensure effective regulation within their jurisdiction,” he said.
