The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has acknowledged system glitches leading to the wrong charges imposed on some customers following the implementation of the new tariff structure. The company assured affected customers of refunds for excess charges incurred.
In a public notice shared on its social media handle, AEDC explained that the errors arose due to a system malfunction caused by the reclassification of certain Band A customers who were downgraded to Band B. This reclassification was based on the reduced number of hours of electricity supply experienced by these customers in recent weeks.
“This was due to a system glitch caused by the reclassification of some Band A customers who have now been downgraded to Band B due to the number of hours of electricity supply enjoyed over the past few weeks,” the notice stated.
The recent tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) resulted in Band A customers being charged N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from N68/kWh. However, due to the system malfunction, some Band A customers were erroneously charged the new rate while others were still charged at the old rate.
The vice chairman of NERC, Musiliu Oseni, clarified that the new tariff rate of N225/kWh applies specifically to Band A customers who receive at least 20 hours of electricity supply per day. Those not meeting this criterion were downgraded to Band B.
AEDC assured affected customers that once the system glitches are resolved, refunds will be issued for excess charges incurred. Furthermore, Band A customers will be able to recharge their meters at the new rate of N225/kWh, ensuring a minimum supply of 20 hours daily.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this change. We remain committed to improving the power supply to all categories of customers, and we crave your understanding and support as we do this,” the notice concluded.
