f the regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) put paid to its threat on revoking the licenses of some erring Electricity Distribution companies in the ears of non compliance to sanctions and dodging of meter provision over time, surviving ones will seat up to their responsibilities.

This was the submission of Satellite Resident Association communiqué after a recent review of power situation in the estate in Lagos.

Apart from the issue of fine enforcement, residents observed that Discos are working with the illicit permutation that estimated bills system gives them more money than digital metering and this had been the reason behind back and front promises in the delivery of meters to consumers’.



But whereas Nigerians in almost all the states had become frustrated in asking for meters, indications have emerged that some electricity firms are at the verge of losing their licences three years after privatisation for failing to comply with the rules and regulations in the power sector.

This is because many electricity firms are contravening the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Electricity Industry (Enforcement) Regulations 2014, which specified strict action against any form of unruliness in the sector, even as many are yet to pay over N345 million cumulative fines imposed by NERC.

Lack of compliance and adherence to industry rules are some of the reasons weakening the capacity of NERC to effectively regulate the industry and institute credible electricity operations in the country.

Indeed, the regulator would have used part of the money realised from such penalties to execute some of its programmes, which are being challenged by paucity of funds.

It would be recalled that the Commission had recently fined Afam Power Plant, and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) the sum of N66.6 million for failing to submit audited financial reports for 2013 and 2014.

The fines imposed on the firms have since attracted additional N62 million, being the cumulative for five per cent interest daily for I9 days following the expiration of the two weeks grace granted by NERC, which expired on the December 22, 20I6.

A statement issued by the Acting Chairman, NERC, Dr. Anthony Akah, explained that Directive 162 of NERC found Afam Power in breach of its licensing terms and other operating conditions when it failed to file audited financial report for 2014, and subsequently liable to pay N18.510 million.

Directive 163 found EKEDC in violation of its licensing terms and other operating condition over late submission of its 2013 and non-submission of 2014 audited financial reports. The company is, therefore, liable to pay N48.09 0million fine.

http://www.energywatchng.com/nerc-may-revoke-discos-licenses-unpaid-fines-delays-metering-households/

better, FTC again