The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a new mobile application that allows citizens to report power outages to their respective distribution companies (DisCos). Known as the Power Outage Reporting System, this app enables electricity consumers to file complaints regarding disruptions in their power supply, and it operates under the supervision of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, announced the launch of this app in Abuja. He explained that the application, which has undergone testing with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

The primary purpose of this app is to facilitate communication between consumers and distribution companies, ensuring that complaints are addressed promptly. It also serves as a tool for monitoring the responsiveness of distribution companies to customer issues, allowing both NERC and consumers to track the resolution of complaints.

Additionally, Chairman Garba mentioned the commission's efforts to implement smart metering for electricity feeders and the recent introduction of regulations with specified timelines for resolving customer complaints. The app's introduction aligns with these initiatives, aiming to ensure that DisCos adhere to the service obligations outlined in tariff orders.

Kunle Olubiyo, the President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network and Coordinator of Power Sector Perspectives, expressed the significance of this development in the energy sector. He emphasized that such a tool is essential for effective regulation, enabling NERC to closely monitor DisCos' activities and gather real-time data, rather than relying solely on reports submitted by the companies.

The launch of the app began in Abuja, with plans for a national rollout to include all distribution companies. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company served as the initial testing ground for the application's functionality and effectiveness.