The House of
Representatives yesterday threatened legislative action against excessive billing
of electricity consumers.Chairman, House ad hoc Committee on Curbing
Excessive
Electricity Charges, Israel Ajibola, dropped the hint in Kano.He spoke at an
interactive session organised by Kano/Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies
(DISCOs).He said the House had been inundated with allegations of excessive
billing, and DISCO’s refusal to provide meter, in preference for estimated
billing.
He cited
other complaints as non-compliance with the connection/ reconnection
regulations and installation of manipulated pre-paid meters. He explained that
the committee was constituted to do a fact-finding mission across the six
geopolitical zones, to ascertain the authenticity of the allegations.He
expressed concern that Kaduna DISCO was not represented at the forum, adding
that the Head of Media and Publicity, who represented Kaduna DISCO, lacked the
technical knowledge to respond effectively to questions.
According to
him, the committee’s recommendation would determine the position on the bill
sponsored by the House leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.The bill is seeking to
criminalise estimated billing system as presently being operated by the
distribution companies.
Power
consumers who spoke at the session demanded the immediate revocation of the
distribution companies in the country and also kicked against the outrageous
billing system, which the DISCOs are forcing them to bear.
A
stakeholder, Yunusa Murtala, lamented the unbundling of Power Holden Company of
Nigeria (PHCN) and accused Kano Electricity Company (KEDCO) of supplying faulty
meters to consumers.
On his part,
Abubakar Dangora, complained of excessive tariff by KEDCO in the rural
communities, especially consumers with lower-consuming appliances.Chief
Operations Officer of KEDCO, Raul Sing, said the company has distributed over
70,000 pre-paid meters to consumers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, adding
that KEDCO has always operated within the regulatory limit.
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