The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued orders to electricity distribution companies across the country to hold training workshops for their staff on the new electricity tariff, dubbed the multi-year tariff order (MYTO) II.

A statement issued by the NERC Assistant General Manager, Media, Maryam Yaya Abubakar said the training become necessary "became necessary in light of the fact that the DISCOs have neglected the application of the methodology on the estimation of electricity bills," as provided by the commission.

The statement noted that there have been a deluge of customer complaints on excessive estimated billing, by electricity distribution companies in recent times.

The methodology on estimated billing was enacted by NERC to regulate the practice of arriving at electricity bills for customers who do not have prepaid meters. The regulations provide that the DISCOs are to scientifically calculate electricity consumption, ensuring that customers pay for only the power consumed.

The commission said its investigations have shown that "the staff of the DISCOs does not understand how to apply this methodology, and this has correlation with many of the complaints lodged by customers."

It is believed that the sensitization exercise will equip those responsible for billing with the necessary information and skills needed to estimate electricity bills in a scientific, fair and transparent manner. The statement further quoted chairman of the commission, Dr Sam Amadi as saying "We have mandated the DISCOs to organize a sensitization workshop for the business managers in the DISCOs to ensure compliance with the regulation. The workshops must take place before the end of November, 2012."