Obsolete Meters: FCCPC Warns DisCos of Severe Consequences Against Violation of Consumers Rights

James Emejo in Abuja

Again, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that both the Ikeja and Eko Distribution Companies (DisCos) cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

The commission’s clarification followed speculations that its recent directive to the DisCos to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters might be flouted.

In a statement yesterday, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, emphasised that the “directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences”.

FCCPC stated that contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by NERC had no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC. It stressed that the planned replacement had been invalidated by both FCCPC and NERC, and there was no indication that the affected DisCos had breached the directives.

The statement further read, “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’s position remains clear: 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.”

Moreover, consumers were advised to contact FCCPC on the commission’s dedicated lines for reporting electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey the directive.

FCCPC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.