The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), through its Damaturu Forum Office, has fined the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) N2.8 million for violations of electricity consumers’ rights.

The sanction followed the consideration of complaints and submissions presented by electricity consumers and the distribution company before the Forum.

The judgement was delivered at a sitting presided over by the Forum Chairman, Mohammed Kati Machina, alongside four other members, while another member participated virtually.

The Forum also directed YEDC to comply fully with all decisions and directives contained in the judgment.

However, it gave the distribution company 10 working days from the date of the judgment to appeal against the decision if dissatisfied.

Reacting to the ruling, the Chairman of the Potiskum Community Joint Complaint, Abdullahi Adamu Ahmadu, and counsel to the complainants, Ibrahim Jauro, Esq., commended the Forum for providing both parties with the opportunity to present their cases.

They described the judgment as fair and expressed hope that YEDC would implement the directives to address the concerns raised by the affected consumers.

The development highlights the role of electricity sector regulation in enforcing service standards, protecting consumers and ensuring accountability among electricity distribution companies.

It also reinforces the importance of regulatory dispute resolution in addressing grievances between electricity consumers and distribution companies.