The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has developed a new mobile app that allows citizens across Nigeria to easily report power outages and electricity disruptions.
The app was launched on Monday in Abuja by NERC Chairperson Sanusi Garba, who said it aligns with the commission’s pledge to improve service delivery for customers.
“This app will help us monitor that distribution companies (DisCos) are complying with the standards and timelines set out in our new consumer protection regulations for resolving customer complaints,” Garba explained.
Previously, the app was designed to just sample power supply quality. But NERC decided it would be more useful to collect live outage data and actively monitor the DisCos, Garba noted.
He encouraged all citizens to use the app to log their complaints, saying prompt responses will boost their confidence in the commission and DisCos. The launch started in Abuja but will soon expand nationally to all DisCos, with priority for those with the most customer complaints.
AEDC Chair Christopher Ezeafulukwe welcomed the app, calling it a “win-win” product of collaboration between NERC, DisCos, and customers. He said outage reports are the “raw material” AEDC needs to improve service delivery.
Here’s how the outage reporting app works:
- Available on web and as a mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Customers simply enter their meter number to log in
- File a complaint for any outage
- App sends confirmation requests to other customers on the feeder
- If 2-3 confirm outage, notification goes to DisCo with resolution timeline
- DisCo updates when resolved, triggering customer confirmations
The project took two years due to bureaucratic delays. But the app is now launched and aims to help NERC monitor DisCos, while providing customers an easy way to report outages for faster resolution.