Victor EzejaElectricity consumers may now heave a sigh of relief as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered Distribution Companies (DisCos) to replace faulty and obsolete meters for free.
The Commission stated that it is the responsibility of DisCos to replace faulty or obsolete electricity meters for customers for free.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNERC stated this in a statement released on Monday while reacting to moves by some DisCos to compel consumers to pay for the replacement of their meters considered to be obsolete.
Prime Business Africa reports that some DisCos recently instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters.
It would be recalled that Ikeja Electric Plc and Eko Electricity Distribution Company recently directed power consumers on their areas of franchise with the old Unistar prepaid meters to change them on or before 14 November 2024 or risk being moved into the estimated billing category.
The action sparked reactions from consumers and regulatory authorities. This was fueled by a claim made by Unistar that there was nothing wrong with its devices.
According to the NERC, such a directive by DisCos is contrary to the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The electricity regulator explained that the Order made it clear that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing.
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“If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer,” NERC clarified.
Also, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) kicked against the action. The FCCPC directed Ikeja and Eko DisCos to seize the planned replacement of Unistar meters
In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Onjade Ojagwu, FCCPC said the Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot go ahead with the replacement of the Unistar meters without complying with NERC Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
It warned that any breach of the order by DisCos will attract stiff penalties in line with provisions of the existing consumer protection laws.
Both NERC and FCCPC urged customers to report cases of non-compliance to the Order by any DisCos.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
