The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has told Electricity Distribution Companies that outstanding bills cannot be forced on new tenants.
The NERC Commissioner for Finance and Management Services, Nathan Shatti, stated the position of the Commission during a live programme on: “Meters and metering.”
Shatti said there was an existing court judgment barring the imposition of landlords’ outstanding bills on new tenants.
He said any new tenant asked to pay the outstanding bills of their landlords should contact the Commission.
He said: “Landlord’s outstanding electricity bills cannot be enforced on a tenant.
“A judge recently ruled that the bills of a previous tenant cannot be enforced on a new customer.
“Send us details if you are in such a situation.
“An order was issued on capping in February.
“The capping order is still in force.
“DisCos should take note.
“The Commission is doing everything to enforce compliance.
“We will do even more.”
Speaking on DisCos in the habit of collecting money for meters without supplying them, Shatti said: “If you have paid for a meter and you have not received it, please note that it is wrong.
“It is unacceptable behaviour.
“The intention of the regulation is that payment should not be made if meters are not available.
“Where you have, write to the Commission with your details.”