The Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) has inaugurated a five-member forum to resolve customer complaints and appeals from Electricity Distribution Companies (EDC) in the state.
The forum was set up, following the transfer of electricity market and regulatory function from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ISERC in 2024.
In a speech at the inauguration of the forum, the Chairman of ISERC, Mr Bede Opara, said that the members were re-engaged from NERC Forum.
“The governor of Imo state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, is optimistic about electricity situation in the state, and wants to generate a lot of jobs for the people.
“He wants the people to have electricity that is affordable and sustainable,” he said.
Opara also said that the governor had already secured partners that were already investing in the electricity sector in the state.
According to him, the governor is aware that many electricity consumers are not comfortable with the level of electricity supply and it is affecting businesses and standard of living.
“There is no way the commission will do well if we don’t listen and resolve complaints from the people,” he said.
Opara urged members of the forum to utilise their experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution to ensure the protection of the rights of both electricity consumers and suppliers.
He expressed the confidence that the forum would provide the needed feedback to assess performance in the electricity sector of the state.
In an acceptance speech, the Chairman of ISERC Forum, Mr Prince Uchegbu, pledged to carry out the objectives and aim of the forum.
“We assure you that the forum will ensure that electricity consumers give positive remarks about services in the state through our dedicated services of ensuring fair and just resolution of complaints,” Uchegbu said.
He urged consumers to put up their complaints to EDC.
“Once such complaint is laid to the electricity supplier, the distribution company is reasonably expected to resolve the matter within 15 working days.
“Failure on the part of the DisCo to resolve the issue being complained about, the customer now has the right to approach ISERC Forum for possible resolution,” he said.
Source: By Peter Okolie / NAN
