Electricity consumers in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of allegedly overcharging customers for electricity supply despite failing to meet the minimum service expectations associated with their tariff band.
The consumers alleged that BEDC continues to bill them under Band B at the rate of N68.56 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a tariff category reportedly associated with 16 to 20 hours of electricity supply daily, while allegedly delivering between zero and five hours of power in some areas.
In a complaint circulating among affected consumers, the distribution company was accused of imposing charges that do not reflect the actual hours of electricity supplied, describing the situation as exploitative and financially burdensome to residents.
The complainants also expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged failure of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to adequately address concerns surrounding the company’s billing practices, accusing the regulator of appearing indifferent to repeated complaints.
They called on NERC to investigate BEDC’s billing arrangements in Asaba and ensure that consumers are charged according to the applicable electricity service standards.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) was also urged to look into the allegations and protect electricity consumers from possible unfair billing practices.
The affected consumers maintained that electricity customers should not be made to pay Band B rates where the corresponding minimum daily power supply is allegedly not being delivered.
They therefore called for an independent investigation, improved electricity supply and appropriate adjustments or refunds where overbilling is established.
As of the time of this report, BEDC, NERC and FCCPC had not provided responses to the specific allegations contained in the complaint.
