‘Excess will be refunded’ — AEDC apologises to customers for overcharging

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has issued an apology to its customers for overcharging while trying to recharge their meters.

In a notice to its customers in Abuja on Thursday, the company said the wrong charges occurred due to a system glitch.

“This is to inform customers across the AEDC franchise that we are aware of the wrong charges faced by some Band A customers who tried to recharge their meters following the new tariff regime,” AEDC said.

“This is due to a system glitch caused by the reclassification of some Band A customers who have now been downgraded to B due to the number of hours of electricity supply enjoyed over the past few weeks.

“These erstwhile Band A customers who vended were charged the new tariff of N225 per kilowatt hour.

“Our team is working to identify the customers affected and all excess charges will be refunded.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this change.”

AEDC said the situation also saw some Band A customers who are now charged N225 vend at the old rate.

The company said once the glitch is resolved, these categories of customers would recharge their meters at the new rate of N225, which will ensure they enjoy a minimum supply of 20 hours daily.

AEDC reiterated its commitment to improving the power supply to all categories of customers while asking for the support and understanding of its customers.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the B and A classifications.

The commission said customers who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily will pay N225 per kilowatt (kW), starting from April 3 — up from N66.