Electricity customers in Nigeria are set to receive stronger protection following a new directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on wrongful disconnection by Distribution Companies (DisCos).

Under the directive, customers who are unlawfully disconnected will be compensated with energy credits equivalent to their average consumption for three months for every day they remain without electricity.

NERC also directed DisCos to repair or replace faulty meters within 48 hours of being reported. The Commission warned the companies against charging reconnection fees where customers were disconnected without following prescribed procedures.

The measures are aimed at strengthening consumer protection, improving awareness and ensuring compliance with regulations in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.