Stop providing electricity to houses under transmission lines, NERC tells DisCos

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has lamented the safety risks Nigerians undergo to have shelter on them.

Speaking during the first Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) stakeholders meeting of 2024, NERC’s Commissioner, Engineering, Performance and Monitoring, Chidi Ike, said the continuous construction of houses under transmission lines is putting many lives at risk of death while the provision of electricity to the houses by electricity distribution companies is worsening the lifespan of those that reside in such areas.

“You see swathes of communities under transmission lines. DisCos supply power to them despite them being in clear contravention of the Right of Way of TCN. We are going to focus on those areas and make sure that DisCos aren’t going to benefit from any form of illegality,” he said. 

On his part, NERC’s Assistant General Manager, Engineering, Performance and Monitoring, Engr. John Joseph, disclosed that 38% of accidents in 2023 were caused by unsafe conditions.

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He said this is because there are safety guidelines that should be followed but are jettisoned instead.

On his part, NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Useni, stated that the commission will look at the performance of DisCos on a case-by-case basis to apply sanctions on erring companies in the sector.

He said it would ensure improved efficiency by companies but if it is not at the level expected, the operational expenses of the companies will be reduced.

“If you don’t perform, you will only get 50% of your admin OPEX. We need to ensure that sustainable payment going forward is in place. Market rules are clear, but they don’t envisage there would be tariff shortfall or subsidy,” he said while responding to audience questions and comments.”