NERC fines YEDC N2.8m over consumer rights violations

The Damaturu Forum Office of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has fined the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, YEDC, N2.8 million over electricity-related complaints brought before it by consumers.

The forum also directed the distribution company to comply with its decisions, while granting it 10 working days to appeal the judgment if dissatisfied.

The judgment was delivered during a sitting of the forum presided over by its chairman, Engineer Mohammed Kati Machina, alongside four other members, while another member participated virtually via Zoom.

The forum considered the complaints and submissions presented by the parties before delivering its judgment, imposing a fine of N2.8 million on YEDC.

It further directed YEDC to fully comply with all decisions and directives contained in the judgment.

The chairman of the Potiskum Community Joint Complaint Committee, Abdullahi Adamu Ahmadu, and counsel representing the complainants, Barrister Ibrahim Jauro, commended the forum for providing both parties the opportunity to present their cases and for delivering what they described as a fair judgment.

They expressed hope that the decision would be implemented to address the concerns raised by the consumers.

The ruling provided an opportunity for the electricity distribution company to exercise its right of appeal, with 10 working days from the date of judgment to challenge the decision if dissatisfied.

The development showed the regulatory role of NERC in resolving electricity-related disputes, safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring accountability among distribution companies.

The Damaturu Forum Office continued to serve as a platform for electricity consumers to seek redress over service-related complaints and ensure that electricity providers operate in line with established regulatory standards.