Electricity Distribution Companies have been urged to be more responsive, sensitive and transparent in dealing with consumer complaints as this will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges being encountered by the consumers in their quest to get services.
The Chief Executive Officer of The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC Mr Babatunde Irukera gave the charge while declaring open a two day Electricity Consumer Complaint Resolution Platform held in Lagos under the Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
It was a gathering of electricity consumers, Representatives of Eko Electricity Distribution Company and the industry Regulators as consumers rolled out barrage of complaints.
Over the years, getting adequate electricity supply to homes and work places seems to be a hard not to crack as Nigerians keep hoping for great improvement in the power sector.
It is quite revealing to note that the major problem is not only about adequate supply but also the manner in which some of the consumer complaints are being handled or responded to.
This was why the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission created a platform for the Eko Electricity distribution company, The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC and the consumers to come face to face and resolve some of the issues.
In an address, the Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera who regretted that the commission got the highest number of complaints from electricity consumers, charged the electricity distribution companies to show more sensitivity in handling consumer issues given the importance of such utility. Mr Irukera pointed out that not getting enough electricity supply was not the major problem rather the manner in which the consumers challenges are being addressed and not only called for a change but urged electricity consumers to insist on their rights.
In a remark, the Head Consumer Affairs at Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC Mr Shittu Shuaibu charged the consumers on estimated Billings to pay the amount proportionate to what they consumer pointing out that electricity consumers who are on estimated Billings have the right to contest excessive Billings and while that is being done, the Discos should not disconnect them.
In a reaction, the Head Consumer Service Department at Eko Electricity Distribution Company Mrs Iyiola Ezichi who explained the process of complaints resolution said the prepaid meter remained the solution to some of the challenges.
High point of the event was immediate response and resolution of some of the complaints ranging from the issue of excessive Billings, metering and disconnections from consumers who came from different parts of Lagos
