Buying transformers, electric poles not responsibility of consumers – FCCPC

Innocent Raphael

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has stated that electricity consumers are not responsible for the buying, replacement or repair of transformers, poles or other equipments used in the transmission of power.

The government agency disclosed this in a brief statement on its official X handle on Friday, in a post titled “Electricity Consumer Right” accompanied with an image containing the message.

It read; “It is not the responsibility of the customer or community to buy, replace or repair electricity transformers, poles and related equipment used in the supply of electricity.”

Reacting to the information, netizens have weighed in their different opinions, with some lauding the revelation, and others brandishing it “unnecessary”.

“What do we do when the electricity companies delay in repairing or replacing these items and we are told to encourage them by offering them some amount of money as ‘appreciation’?

“How do we take up these complaints? I’ve personally sent complaints that you guys did not respond to,” an X user with handle @donchyme queried.

Another X user with handle @perfectsolo, wrote: “This information is not necessary as long as you don’t prosecute PHCN for asking residents to replace or repair them.

“Sometimes it seems their boys deliberately make transformers non-functional from time to time so as to make money from residents.”

The post had also tagged the handles of the Federal Government, Senate, House of Representatives and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Dr. Doris Anite with none reacting at the time of filing this report.