The upsurge in energy theft by consumers is responsible for the high estimated billing being experienced by customers of the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country. This assertion was made by the vice-chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sunusi Garba, at a public hearing and consultation with stakeholders on three regulations being proposed by the regulatory body.
He said, “Energy theft is the major contributing factor to the prohibitive estimated billing currently being experienced across the country,” even as he called on all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission to address the situation.
He disclosed that the commission is working on three draft regulations including; the Distribution Franchising, Capping of Estimated Billing and Competitive Transition Charge Regulations, aimed at injecting more efficiency and competition into the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
Also, the Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric, Engineer Garba Haruna disclosed that Kaduna Electric has gone far in sensitising and mobilising the business community and all relevant stakeholders in its franchise on the benefits of the proposed franchising partnership to both the electricity consumers and the electricity industry.
