By William Emmanuel Ukpoju
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently held a town hall meeting and complaint resolution forum in Calabar, Cross River State, where electricity consumers’ complaints were addressed and resolved on the spot.
The event, which took place on Thursday, was attended by scores of electricity consumers and customers of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
NERC Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Aisha Mahmud, emphasized the commission’s commitment to improving customer satisfaction with the services provided by electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos). “We are here in Calabar to resolve problems just as we have done in several parts of the country, and it has been a huge success. Complaints are to be resolved on the spot, and NERC will ensure this is done, except for some technical issues that require investigation by the DisCo,” she said.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Eka Williams, commended NERC for organizing the event, stating, “What NERC has done today is commendable and we must thank them for taking the proactive steps in organising a town hall meeting to engage the electricity consumers in Calabar on their rights and obligations.”
Hon. Joseph Bassey, Member representing Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, shared his personal experience of having an overbilling complaint resolved by NERC. “So, I want to use this platform to encourage you as my constituents and electricity consumers in Calabar to visit the NERC forum office in Calabar and make your complaints whenever you feel cheated or underserved by Port Harcourt DisCo,” he urged.
The two-day engagement, which continues today, provides an opportunity for consumers to have their complaints addressed by PHEDC under NERC’s supervision. With this initiative, NERC demonstrates its dedication to protecting the interests of electricity consumers and promoting better services from DisCos.