By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A human rights organisation has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO), demanding explanations and remedies over alleged violations of consumer rights and regulatory obligations within its franchise area.The group, Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization (EBHRO), disclosed this in a formal complaint letter dated Ref: EBHRO/KED/Complaint/001/2026, made available to journalists in Kaduna last Wednesday. The letter accuses KAEDCO of systemic consumer exploitation, unlawful billing practices, and alleged regulatory breaches.
In the letter signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Daniel Ejembi, EBHRO said its action followed numerous complaints received from electricity consumers, supported by documentary evidence and firsthand accounts.According to the organisation, the complaints include alleged wrongful and coercive collection of payments for electricity meters that were declared free under government policy and directives of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
EBHRO also alleged unjust and excessive billing arising from what it described as deliberate or negligent misclassification of customers into tariff bands that do not reflect actual electricity supply hours. Another major concern raised was the alleged arbitrary increase in agreed monthly debt repayment plans, with figures reportedly reviewed upward from ₦1,000 to between ₦3,000 and ₦33,000 without prior notice, consultation, justification, or regulatory approval.The group further accused KAEDCO of compelling customers to pay for the replacement of electricity meters damaged due to transformer faults, line surges, or other network-related failures, which it said should be the responsibility of the distribution company.
EBHRO stated that these actions constitute serious breaches of several regulatory frameworks, including NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-Use Customer Meters, the Service-Based Tariff framework, Customer Protection Regulations 2023, the Electricity Act 2023, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.The organisation warned that the alleged practices have caused financial hardship, confusion, and declining public confidence in electricity distribution, particularly among low-income households.
As part of its demands, EBHRO asked KAEDCO to provide, within 14 days, a detailed written explanation and documentary evidence justifying its actions and demonstrating compliance with relevant laws and regulations.The group also demanded refunds, with interest at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Rate, for all monies allegedly unlawfully collected for meters since 2015. It further called for an independent audit of tariff classifications, reversal of unjust bills, restoration of agreed debt repayment terms, and free replacement of meters damaged by network faults.
In addition, EBHRO urged KAEDCO to issue a public communication informing customers of their rights under NERC regulations and to establish an independent and accessible customer complaint resolution mechanism. The organisation warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would lead to legal action and petitions to agencies including NERC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).EBHRO, however, said it remains open to constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the issues in the interest of justice and public welfare. Copies of the complaint were sent to 12 relevant institutions, including NERC and media organisations.
