The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has reaffirmed that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) must replace faulty or obsolete meters for customers free of charge.
This follows reports that some DisCos are demanding payments from consumers for meter replacements; a move NERC says violates its directives.
In an October 18 directive, NERC ordered DisCos to replace phased-out meters without passing the cost to customers.
Subsequently, Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC) announced that Unistar prepaid meters, deployed over a decade ago, would no longer be supported from November 14 due to technological upgrades and token identifier (TID) rollover issues.
However, media reports on November 11 alleged that some DisCos were asking customers to pay for the replacement of functional meters.
In a statement released Monday, NERC clarified its position, emphasizing that such demands are in breach of its Order No. NERC/246/2021, which outlines the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete meters.
“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some Distribution Companies (DisCos) have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas.
“This instruction contravenes 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 Order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing. 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,” the NERC said.
NERC assured consumers of its commitment to protecting their rights and holding DisCos accountable for non-compliance with regulatory standards.
The Commission encouraged customers to report any instances where DisCos demand payment for meter replacements or fail to comply with its directives.
This reiteration follows a meeting held by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on October 22. The FCCPC had intervened after receiving complaints from consumers about the costs of acquiring meters and billing during replacement periods. The agency directed DisCos to replace faulty or obsolete meters at no charge to customers.
NERC concluded its statement by restating that any customer affected by non-compliance should promptly report the issue for regulatory enforcement.
