Nigeria’s power sector is entering a new phase as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has asked electricity consumers in 15 states to take their complaints directly to state regulators. The directive follows the ongoing implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which is reshaping how electricity issues are handled across the country.
In a statement released on Monday, the commission explained that complaints related to metering, billing, and service delivery should no longer be directed to the federal regulator in states that have already established their own electricity regulatory bodies. Instead, residents are now expected to engage with their respective state agencies for faster resolution.
The move is part of a broader decentralisation effort that transfers oversight of intrastate electricity operations from the federal level to state governments. So far, 15 states—including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Enugu, and Edo—have completed the transition by setting up functional regulatory frameworks to manage electricity within their jurisdictions.
According to NERC, the change is designed to bring decision-making closer to consumers and improve how complaints are handled. Issues such as estimated billing, delays in meter installation, poor customer service, and inconsistent power supply will now fall under the authority of state regulators, who are expected to respond more quickly and effectively.
For many Nigerians, this shift could mean shorter waiting times and more accountability in addressing electricity concerns. However, it also places responsibility on consumers to understand the new system and identify the correct agencies to approach. As the reform takes hold, NERC is urging residents in affected states to familiarise themselves with their local regulators and use the appropriate channels when seeking solutions to electricity-related issues.