The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Sunday organised a parley between the Jos electricity distribution company and electricity consumers in Bauchi State.
Tagged a one-stop shop for addressing electricity issues in JEDC coverage areas, the four-day electricity consumer complaint resolution platform supported by the MacArthur Foundation provided consumers with a platform to present their grievances regarding supply from JEDC.
Addressing customer concerns were staff from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Nigeria Electricity Regularly Agency and the Nigeria Electricity Management Agency, and JEDC.
Issues raised by participants ranged from issues related to estimated billing, delay in delivery of meters after payment, and communities buying and paying for transformer installation among others.
An electricity consumer in Bauchi metropolis, Professor Abubakar Yusuf who expressed delight at the platform said he could not believe what he got after presenting his complaint.
“I had an accumulated bill of N600,000 because I am being charged between N90,000 to N95,000 per month but after presenting my case I was well attended to and I am leaving this place a satisfied consumer.”
Another consumer, Tanko Dutse of Yelwa in Bauchi said he had the intention of charging the distribution company to court when he heard about the platform.
“I wanted to challenge the distribution company for tampering with my rights to electricity, but when I came here my issues were well attended to, I commend the commission for this platform.”
Another consumer Abdulrahim Abdulmumini urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to extend such a platform to rural communities.
Acting Executive Chairman Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Adamu Abdullah said the commission decided to intervene due to constant complaints about poor services from electricity distribution companies
“The question now is what happens if a consumer’s case is not addressed within the four days? Adamu Abdullah said the commission will continue to engage with the relevant agencies.”
By Lizzy Carr
