In a recent development, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a stern penalty against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) for its failure to comply with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024. This enforcement action comes as a response to AEDC’s non-compliance with the prescribed customer band classifications for tariff billing, leading to a ₦200,000,000 fine.

According to NERC, the decision to penalize AEDC was prompted by a thorough review and customer feedback, which exposed the distribution company’s erroneous application of the new tariff to all customer bands. This action contravened the Order’s objective of ensuring fair billing practices, thereby warranting corrective measures from the regulatory body.

Speaking on behalf of NERC, a commission spokesperson emphasized the significance of adhering to regulatory directives in maintaining transparency and fairness within the electricity sector. The spokesperson stated, “This decision underscores NERC’s commitment to upholding consumer rights and fostering equitable practices in Nigeria’s electricity distribution landscape.”

As part of the enforcement measures, AEDC has been directed to reimburse customers falling within Bands B, C, D, and E, who were billed above the allowable customer categories/tariff bands specified in the Order. Additionally, affected customers are entitled to receive the balance of customer tokens at applicable rates, with all reimbursements scheduled to be completed by April 11, 2024.

Furthermore, AEDC is required to submit evidence of compliance with the directives outlined by NERC, including the reimbursement process and the payment of the imposed fine, by April 12, 2024. Failure to meet these obligations could result in further regulatory action against the distribution company.

In response to the penalty, AEDC has expressed its commitment to rectifying the situation and ensuring full compliance with NERC’s directives. The company acknowledges the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations, pledging to work closely with NERC to address any outstanding issues and prevent future violations.

This enforcement action serves as a clear signal of NERC’s determination to enforce regulatory standards and uphold consumer interests within the Nigerian electricity market. As the regulatory body continues to monitor compliance and address infractions, consumers can expect greater accountability and fairness from electricity providers across the country.

Geometric Power Group (GP) has conducted a comprehensive training session for its commercial and other personnel to bolster service quality and efficiency.

The session, led by a leading consultant on NERC matters, Hadley Blue-Jack, focused on strategies to maintain the company’s success in the dynamic power sector.

Blue-Jack commended GP for its achievements in the power industry, emphasizing the need to sustain this momentum.

He stressed the importance of enhancing customer service quality, particularly through the Customer Care Team’s interactions with the public.

During the training, various issues were addressed, including complaint resolution and efficiency improvement.

Blue-Jack highlighted the competitive nature of the market, acknowledging threats such as the rise of solar businesses and boundary disputes with other entities.

The expert urged GP to remain vigilant and proactive, stating, “We’re going to gear up to ensure that we do not concede any ground to our competitors.”

Participants expressed enthusiasm about the training’s value and relevance to their roles within the company.

Engr. Livinus Nmaram, Director of Training at Aba Power Limited, praised the refresher course provided by Blue-Jack, noting its significance in reinforcing essential principles.

Mr. Hadley and participants at the training.

He emphasized the importance of unity and innovation within the organization to maintain a competitive edge.

Mrs. Ini Uyo, Manager of Customer Service, expressed confidence in the training’s ability to ensure compliance with regulatory standards set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

She stated, “With the enlightenment, guidance, and advice, I know that we’ll be 100% compliant with all the regulations of NERC.”

Miss Uloma Joe, a Customer Care Representative, shared her positive experience from the session, highlighting the insights gained on managing customer expectations and presenting courteously.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the training, underscoring its impact on personal and professional development.

The training session equipped the customer service team with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenges and maintain high standards of service delivery in the competitive power sector.

With a renewed focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, GP is poised to reinforce its position as a leader in the industry. GMTNewsng

In a significant move towards addressing the perennial issue of road failures in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has highlighted the crucial role of concrete technology in revolutionizing road infrastructure development across the nation. This innovative approach is part of the policy thrust of the Federal Ministry of Works under the leadership of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, within the ambit of the Renewed Hope administration.

During a recent courtesy visit by the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to the Minister’s office located in Mabushi-Abuja, Engr. Umahi articulated that the adoption of concrete technology in road construction projects is imperative given the unique soil texture in various parts of the country. He enthused, “Concrete technology is not just an option but a necessity for our road projects, considering the soil peculiarities we encounter. It offers advantages like energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability, which are crucial for the longevity and sustainability of our roads.”

The Minister further elaborated on the benefits of concrete roads, noting their efficiency in temperature regulation under different environmental conditions, making them particularly suitable for regions like Kogi State. “Concrete pavement is a good insulator, making it an excellent choice for our climate. It’s cost-effective, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly,” Umahi asserted.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kogi State expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for the noticeable improvements in the Federal Government’s road projects. He vowed to leverage the Minister’s experience to uplift the standards of road infrastructure in his state. “I am deeply appreciative of your guidance and commitment. With your support, I am confident that we will transform the landscape of road infrastructure in Kogi State,” said Governor Ododo.

Moreover, the Minister commended Governor Ododo for his humility and visionary leadership, urging him to embark on legacy projects that will stand the test of time. “Your approach to governance is commendable. I encourage you to pursue projects that will not only benefit today’s generation but also be remembered by posterity,” the Minister counseled.

In a recent development, the approval of approximately 60 kilometers of concrete road in a section of the Abuja-Lokoja road showcases the Federal Government’s concrete steps towards this innovative road construction method. “This approval marks the beginning of a new era in road construction in Nigeria, offering a blueprint for cost-effective and durable infrastructure,” Umahi highlighted.

The discourse around concrete technology in road construction was further enriched by a meeting between the Minister and the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu, discussing strategies for incorporating this technology into the state’s infrastructure development plans.

As Nigeria strides towards a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure development model, the focused efforts on implementing concrete technology in road construction by the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope administration are set to pave the way for a future of reliable and robust road networks across the nation. GMTNewsng