By Jerry Olomolaye
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated the Power Outrage Reporting System (PORS) application (app) to make complaint resolution process easier and faster by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Inaugurating the app in Abuja, Chairman of NERC, Mr Sanusi Garba, described it as an online initiative by the commission to assist customers report complaints to DisCos.
Garba said the development would help consumers to fast-track the process of reporting power outages to DisCos and improve electricity supply in Nigeria.
“This is part of our efforts at leveraging on technology to address complaints on power outage and ensure quick resolution by DisCos and NERC.
“Progress has been made on the app, NERC decided to start the process with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
“Very soon, there will be a national rollout of the app to all electricity distribution companies,” he said.
On her part, Hajia Aisha Mahmud, Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, NERC said that the application would be integrated to the systems of the various Discos.
Mahmud said that NERC would still continue to carry out its oversight function to monitor the app to ensure it works properly.
She said that NERC have a lot of initiatives to put in place to protect consumers, adding that PORS was an additional way to ensure they get value for their money.
“The app was introduced to ensure that electricity consumers get the best service and get value for money from the DisCos and to also ensure they are well protected.
“The app can be downloaded through Google Play or Apple Store,”she said.
Mr Christopher Ezeafulukwe, Managing Director, AEDC commended NERC for the initiative, adding that the app would assist DisCos to interact more with consumers.
Ezeafulukwe said the feedback from the consumers to the DisCo was the raw materials needed to provide the services required.
”The app is a product of collaboration, it implies going to be a win win for all of us.
”This will help gather more data base to serve our customers,”he said.