14 September 2011, Sweeetcrude, Lagos- The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has urged estate management companies to immediately transfer all electricity distribution services to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) distribution companies.
Mr Chijioke Obi, Manager, Legal Licencing and Enforcement of NERC, made the plea in Lagos at an enlightenment campaign held for estate developers and Lagos residents.
Obi also urged the distribution companies to seek the commission’s approval for the regularisation of the power supply arrangement in the estates.
He urged the estate companies to refund whatever money they collected from the landlords for the installation of pre-paid meters without the consent of the appropriate PHCN distribution companies.
Obi said that such money was illegal and should be refunded immediately to all the affected landlords and residents.
“The commission will from this moment exercise its monitoring and enforcement powers in accordance with the EPSR Act, 2005,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed Bello, Vice Chairman of NERC, urged the estate developers and residents to ensure that bulk electricity service providers within their areas of operation follow due process.
Bello said that NERC was determined to carry out its full responsibility of ensuring that electricity supply was adequate, reliable, safe and affordable for all.
The vice chairman said that the campaign was to enable the developers and the residents to know their rights and obligations as set out in the ongoing power reforms.
