THE NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (NERC) AND ELECTRICITY METERING IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and electricity metering in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by persistent challenges in the electricity sector, including inadequate metering, estimated billing, billing disputes, limited consumer awareness, and concerns regarding the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study was 1,057,858 active electricity consumers in Akwa Ibom State, while a sample size of 400 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Six Local Government Areas Uyo, Itu, Eket, Oron, Ikot Ekpene and Abak were purposively selected to provide geographical representation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, linear regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, with statistical decisions based on a 0.05 level of significance. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered, of which 356 were properly completed and returned, representing an 89% response rate. The findings indicated a relatively high level of public awareness of NERC, as 78.4% of respondents reported awareness of the Commission. However, awareness of electricity consumer rights and familiarity with NERC's customer protection regulations were comparatively low. The findings further showed that respondents perceived NERC's financial regulation as contributing to billing transparency, with a mean score of 3.75, while perceptions concerning the reduction of estimated billing and protection against estimated billing were below the 3.00 decision benchmark. The study concludes that although NERC has established regulatory mechanisms intended to improve electricity metering, billing transparency and consumer protection, gaps remain in effective implementation, consumer awareness and protection from estimated billing. The study recommends stronger monitoring and enforcement of metering regulations, increased consumer education, improved complaint-resolution mechanisms, and accelerated deployment of functional electricity meters in Akwa Ibom State.