You see this Band A life? It comes with premium expectations. NERC says if you’re on Band A, you should enjoy at least 20 hours of electricity daily. If they can’t deliver, DisCos owe you a little something and no, not just “we’re sorry” SMS.
So, what happens when your DisCo overpromises but underdelivers?
Based on the Addendum to the Order on Customer Migration & Directive for Operationalisation of Band A Feeders (NERC/2024/003), your DisCo compensates you, but the type and size of the compensation depend on two things:
- How bad the supply was, and,
- What kind of customer are you (prepaid or postpaid, MD or non-MD)
Let’s break it down like we’re all sitting under a rechargeable fan.
⚖️ Compensation Categories: Who Gets What?
🔌 1. Prepaid Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) Customers
(That’s most regular households using prepaid meters)
📊 Scenario A:
If your feeder gave more than 18 hours, but less than 20 hours daily (between the 1st and 25th of the month):
- You’ll still stay on Band A.
- You’ll get some energy tokens (free units), based on a special NERC schedule.
- In short: “We tried, but no be 100%… here’s small jara.”
📉 Scenario B:
If you got less than 18 hours average daily:
- That feeder will be downgraded to a lower Band.
- You’ll still get compensated with energy tokens.
- Think of it as: “We failed. We’ve been demoted. Here’s your light refund.”
🔋 2. Prepaid Maximum Demand (MD) Customers
(These are large customers like commercial buildings or factories)
- If your feeder is approved for compensation (whether it stays Band A or is downgraded), you’ll receive an energy token worth 10% of your last recharge.
- Translation: If you vended ₦50,000 worth of electricity, you’ll get ₦5,000 worth of free units. Not bad for corporate NEPA stress.
🧾 3. Postpaid Customers (MD and Non-MD)
(These are folks who receive a bill at the end of the month)
💸 If your feeder is still Band A but underperformed:
- You’ll get a 15% discount on your bill. Simple.
📉 If the feeder gets downgraded:
- Your bill will be recalculated using the lower band tariff, based on the actual service you received. So, less light = less money owed. Fair enough!
📢 How Will You Know You’re Getting Compensated?
DisCos must notify you by:
- SMS or email, and
- Publish the list of affected Band A feeders on their website and social media every month.
So no more relying on gist from your neighbour’s uncle who works at your DisCo. The information is public and traceable. 💁🏾♀️
🧐 Final Thoughts:
We know it’s not always rosy being a Band A customer, especially when your 20 hours turn to 12 and your inverter starts weeping. But thanks to NERC’s updated rules, you’re not left in the dark (literally and legally).
Just remember: the higher the Band, the higher the expectation, and now, finally, the higher the accountability.
#BandACompensation #NERCOrders #PrepaidMeter #NEPARefunds #LightWithReceipts #ElectricityMatters #KnowYourRights #DisCoWahalaExplained
