Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission's Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Services, 2007
Act · Energy
Policy date: 2007-01-01
Regulations define procedures for connecting and disconnecting electricity services, establishing consumer protections and standardized processes for distribution companies. They target electricity consumers, distribution companies, and consumer advocacy groups. This ensures fair treatment and proper notices for disconnections.
Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission's Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Services, 2007
What Is This Policy?
Regulations that define the rights and procedures governing how electricity customers are connected to and disconnected from the distribution network, establishing consumer protections and standardized processes for all electricity distribution companies.
Who Does It Target?
Electricity consumers (residential, commercial, and industrial) Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) NERC compliance and consumer affairs staff Consumer advocacy groups
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect electricity consumers by ensuring that connections are made promptly upon application, disconnections are only carried out for valid reasons with proper notice, and reconnection occurs promptly once issues are resolved.
Key Features
Connection Rights: Customers have the right to be connected within defined timelines upon meeting requirements Disconnection Grounds: Specified permissible reasons for disconnection including non-payment and safety hazards Notice Requirements: Mandatory advance notice before disconnection, with time for the customer to resolve the issue Reconnection: Prompt reconnection required once the grounds for disconnection are remedied Prohibited Disconnections: Protections against disconnection during billing disputes, on public holidays, and in certain weather conditions
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active and enforced Coverage: All electricity distribution companies and their customers Lead Agency: Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Enforcement: Customer complaints to NERC; penalties for DisCos violating procedures
How to Access
Customers can invoke these procedures when facing connection or disconnection issues. Contact your distribution company's customer service for connection applications Demand written notice before any disconnection File complaints with NERC if procedures are not followed
Official Resources
Website: nerc.gov.ng Contact: NERC, Abuja
Legal Framework
The NERC Connection and Disconnection Procedure Regulations are issued under the Electricity Act 2023 and the NERC (Establishment) Act. They operate alongside the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations for electricity and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Metering Regulations. The Regulations align with the Consumer Protection Council Act, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, and the ECOWAS Energy Protocol consumer protection provisions.