The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has expressed worry and concern over increasing spate of attacks on workers of electricity distribution companies on assignment. A recent incident is the attack on staff of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).

The Commission, in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja by its Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi,

therefore cautions perpetrators as well as those contemplating such acts to desist, even as it appeals to the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to ensure the safety of staff of the electricity distribution companies who are carrying out their legitimate duties.

Similar incidence has been reported by another licensee; the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, amongst others. This development, the Commission feels is disturbing as it sends wrong signals to private investors who may be wary of unfriendly investment environment

at a time we are encouraging both local and foreign investors to invest in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The Commission condemns these attacks in strongest terms and call on the Rivers State Police Command to investigate the allegation of attacks meted on the staff of PHEDC at the Police Quarters in Igwuruta and take necessary actions to bring perpetrators to book as well as

forestall a repeat of such attack.

The Commission enjoins electricity customers to always make use of its three level complaints redress mechanism. The first level of redress mechanism expects an aggrieved customer to lodge a formal complaint at the Customer Care Unit of the electricity distribution company within

his/her locality.

If the matter is not resolved as expected, the complainant could approach the NERC Forum Office, which is made up of members of the public chosen on their personal recognition and merit.

A dissatisfied customer or Disco can also appeal to the commission from the NERC Forum Office level if dissatisfied with the Forum’s decision. The commission believes this three level approach is robust enough to every complaint in NESI.

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