Gombe Governor charges NERC to step up awareness campaign, facilitate maximum access to electricity services

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has stressed the need for regulators in the electricity industry to ensure metering of all consumers for accurate billing and efficient service delivery.

The Governor was speaking during a stakeholders' town hall meeting, with the theme "promoting consumer awareness on regulatory initiatives in metering and consumer protection", organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC in Gombe.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau reiterated the commitment of his administration to providing conducive atmosphere , including ensuring the provision of electricity which he described as catalyst to socio- economic development the world over.

He particularly made a strong case for electricity consumers in the state, as he sought to find out whose responsibility it is to provide transformers or fix faulty ones, urging the regulators to fully protect consumers from exploitation by operators.

The Governor pointed out that consumers needed to be adequately enlightened on policies regulating electricity operations so as to avoid unnecessary frictions as a result of ignorance of the laws and policies.

Earlier, the NERC Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, Dr. Moses Aribo informed the gathering that the meeting was aimed at providing opportunity for interaction between the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and consumers with a view to creating friendly environment in the industry.

He explained that the meeting would also provide room for consumers to be educated on commission's new policies that will help reduce intrigues between them and electricity providers.

There was also a question and answer session where electricity consumers sought clarifications on a number of policies.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)