Uche Cecil Izuora
Electricity customers in Lagos are awaiting the outcome of seeming disregard to policy direction on their planned phase out of certain categories of prepaid meters.
Despite restraint from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regarding their plans to replace Unistar meters, information reaching the Commission suggests the plans are set to be executed.
The DisCos concerned are the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC).
Our Correspondent reports that on October 18, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directed DisCos to replace phased-out meters.
Following the directive, both DisCos announced that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, would no longer be supported from November 14, due to technological upgrades and the token identifier (TID) rollover issue.
However, after receiving complaints from consumers who raised concerns about the cost of getting a meter and the bill incurred during the period of changing the device, the FCCPC held a meeting with electricity stakeholders on November 5.
Speaking at the meeting, Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Executive Vice-Chairman, urged the DisCos to halt their plans to replace existing Unistar meters over concerns of undue financial strain on the consumers who may bear the cost of meter replacements.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the FCCPC raised alarm over rumours suggesting that both the IKEDC and EKEDC intend to continue with the proposed meter replacements, despite a clear directive to halt the exercise.
The FCCPC said it made it clear that the order “remains in full force,” and any attempt by the DisCos to proceed in violation of it will result in “severe consequences”.
“Contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC,” FCCPC said.
“The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.
“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).
“The order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.”
The FCCPC said its position remains clear that “non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated”.
“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws,” the Commission added.
Consumers who encounter attempts by the DisCos to flout the directive are advised to contact the FCCPC’s dedicated electricity issues line at 08119877785.
The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers, ensuring they are shielded from “unfair practices by service providers