Don’t Pay for Transformers, Others—FCCPC Tells Electricity Consumers

By Adedapo Adesanya

Electricity consumers in Nigeria have been advised not to buy, replace or even repair transformers and other electrical equipment used in power distribution companies (DisCos) as this is not their responsibility.

The advice was given by Federal  Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which stressed DisCos have the responsibility to replace such equipment at no cost to their customers.

In a statement, the agency noted that, “It is not the responsibility of the customer or the community to purchase, replace or repair transformers, poles or other associated equipment used in the distribution of electricity.”

“Faulty transformers are supposed to be replaced by the Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) within forty-eight hours of the official complaint being made. The Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) is responsible for such replacements or repairs,” it added.

It, however, explained that “if the Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) is unable to speedily replace the faulty transformer, residents may go into discussions with the company and agree on the terms of the replacement of the affected transformer if they so wish to assume the responsibility of the company.”

FCCPC’s statement followed a similar one by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) which faulted claims of electricity distribution companies forcing consumers to buy or repair electricity assets as part of conditions to restore power supply.