Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Anambra – The Chairman of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, has revealed that estimated billing is designed to cover energy losses in the power sector.
According to him, estimated billing is not intended to serve customers’ interests.
He made this known during the ASERC public consultation on the draft electricity regulation that will shape the Anambra State electricity market, held in Awka, the state capital.
“I know that the purpose of estimated billing is not about making people pay for what they consume, but about accounting for energy losses. If these losses are left unmitigated, power losses could rise to about 40 percent,” he said.
Prof. Okafor also stated that ASERC was established to promote societal progress.
He said that power is critical to a modern economy.
“We are here to check excessive tariffs. We know that power is expensive, but it must be provided at a minimum standard,” he said.
He added that it is not enough for people to stay at home and complain about poor power supply, urging them instead to come forward and lodge complaints so that the challenges can be addressed.
According to him, ASERC does not provide electricity but serves as a regulatory body to ensure minimum service standards.
He said the commission’s main mission is to ensure that electricity is delivered at the most affordable rate possible.
“This is not coming from Abuja but from Anambra, and we must ensure minimum standards. We are not here to pull down any service provider, but to ensure that existing power services improve,” he added.
Responding, the Managing Director of First Power, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, said he believes the chairman was appealing to customers emotionally.
“We lose over 20 percent of energy, which we pay for, yet we do not charge customers for these losses. We actually absorb these losses. In this part of the world, we have not fully come to appreciate the true cost of energy, perhaps because we are coming from a subsidized regime. In other parts of the world, energy is very expensive. The energy business itself is capital-intensive,” he said.
The Executive Commissioner in charge of Customer Protection and Regulation, Engr. Anosike Emmanuel, said all efforts in the electricity sector are geared toward customer satisfaction.
According to him, ASERC is empowered to regulate electricity in the state, though currently only one provider, First Power.
“We are here to ensure fair billing, reliable service, proper metering, and standard service delivery. Most of the complaints in the state are about overbilling. In less than six months since we assumed office, we have received 86 complaints from customers,” he said.
He explained that electricity distributors are required to connect customers within one week after payment. Customers who fail to pay their bills after connection risk disconnection.
“When you make a request to a distribution company (DisCo), it must be addressed within five days, if all conditions are met. Power inspection and connection are free. If you are asked to pay for them, refuse and report the matter to us,” he said.
He further stated that in cases of dispute between a customer and a DisCo, the customer may suspend payment until the issue is resolved, after which all outstanding bills must be settled.
He urged both First Power and customers to present their complaints to the commission.
He added that customers are entitled to compensation in cases of wrongful disconnection.
“If you are overbilled and can prove it, come to us and you will be compensated. Every power company has a complaints office, and if the issue is not resolved there, escalate it to us.
“Complaints should be addressed within two days if they do not involve major transformer damage. However, if a transformer is involved, it must be fixed within one week,” he stated.
