- The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has launched an app to monitor electricity supply.
- The mobile application launched in Abuja on the 12th of September.
NERC has introduced a mobile application that allows its 11.47 million electricity consumers to report power outages and access essential data for holding Distribution Companies (DisCos) accountable for poor service. The app enables consumers to report outages, monitor the resolution process, and demand accountability from the sector, particularly under the Service Based Tariff (SBT) framework.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued an order concerning the migration of customers and compensation for service failures under the SBT system. This order empowers customers to seek compensation for lost power hours when DisCos fails to meet their contracted service hours. Sanusi Garba, the NERC Chairman, emphasised this development’s importance in improving service delivery in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). He mentioned that the app is available for download on Android and Apple Store platforms and will enhance transparency in verifying DisCos’ compliance with the compensation order
Garba highlighted the critical nature of service quality in the electricity sector and the Commission’s commitment to holding service providers accountable. He also noted that the app is part of their strategy to leverage technology to address power outage complaints and ensure swift resolution by DisCos and NERC. Additionally, Garba mentioned a recent consumer protection regulation that sets timelines for DisCos to resolve customer complaints.
Aisha Mahmud, the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs at NERC, emphasized that all DisCos will eventually implement the application. She explained that this initiative will result in dual monitoring with both DisCos. She noted that the commission oversees operations while empowering consumers to receive better service and value for their money while ensuring their protection.