NERC directs Discos to insure facilities

Electricity distribution companies have been directed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to renew their comprehensive insurance as provided under Part 5 Section 5.2 of the health and safety code for the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The directive was informed by an investigation into the electrocution of a seven year old minor at Kabusa area of the Federal Capital Territory, which falls within the operational network of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Anthony Akah, the acting chairman of NERC, while expressing worry over rising incidences of electrocutions, said that the directive for renewal of comprehensive insurance applied to all electricity distribution companies (Discos) whose insurance policies have expired.

He further warned that stiffer sanctions await any electricity distribution companies over electrocution or any established case of negligence within their networks.

NERC said AEDC was found liable in the untimely death of the minor for its improper maintenance of a low voltage aluminium conductor in Kabusa area of Abuja, even after residents had complained over the facility.

The Commission’s directives jointly signed by Akah and Olufunke Dinneh, general manager, legal licensing and enforcement, held that AEDC should pay N18million compensation to the deceased’s family and N100, 000 fine to the market for its negligence and failure to report the accident as and when due.

The Commission’s Accident Investigation Team that looked into the unfortunate incident said it had discovered that AEDC failed in its responsibilities to respond to complaints by Kabusa residents that a snapped 0.415kV aluminium conductor was hanging precariously close to the ground not until the deceased minor accidentally came in contact with it and got electrocuted.

In the directive number NERC/DRT/143, the NERC observed that AEDC “placed commercial gain above safety standard and specification by supplying electricity to sub-standard network.”

The Commission, therefore, directed that “N18 million compensation should be paid to the family of the deceased within 30 days beginning from May 5, 2015” when the directive was signed.

This is in addition to N100, 000 fines for failing to submit a preliminary report of the incident within 72 hours in line with the Health and Safety Code.

While the compensation is to be paid to the deceased family, the fine is payable to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in line with Section 88 (12) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

 

YANGE IKYAA