The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) against estimated billing, unlawful disconnections and delays in reconnecting customers, threatening enforcement action against operators that fail to comply with consumer protection requirements.
The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Tunji Bello, issued the warning at an electricity consumer complaints resolution town hall meeting in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Bello said recurring complaints from customers served by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company showed that further action was needed to protect consumers.
He stressed that estimated billing should give way to accurate metering and that distribution companies must comply with regulatory requirements governing billing, disconnections and reconnections.
The meeting was organised to address complaints involving disputed electricity bills, delays in meter installation, poor customer service, improper disconnections and prolonged waits for reconnection.
Bello urged the companies to empower their representatives at complaint resolution desks to take immediate decisions, including reviewing disputed bills, correcting billing errors, scheduling meter installations and reconnecting customers whose electricity had been disconnected improperly.
He also reminded consumers of their right to fair treatment, transparent billing and effective complaint resolution. However, he urged customers to pay for electricity consumed and avoid illegal connections and meter bypasses.
The FCCPC said its intervention was intended to complement the work of electricity regulators by ensuring that consumer complaints receive timely attention.
The warning highlights the importance of accurate billing and accountable service delivery. Effective enforcement and accessible complaint channels could help reduce disputes and strengthen public confidence in electricity distribution services.
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