Uncertainty as NERC’s Deadline for Meter Update Expires Today

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

There is uncertainty over the fate of electricity consumers who have not updated their meters as the deadline given by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) expires today.
THISDAY gathered that there were no official figures of the percentage of Nigerians that had complied with the directive out of the 6.1 million metered customers from the 13.3 million registered electricity customers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

In a brief alert to power consumers in the country, the power sector regulator had stated that updating the metering devices was free of charge and urged all electricity customers to comply.
“Update your meters with a Key Change Token (KCT) before the deadline on November 24, 2024! Don’t miss out — stay connected and enjoy uninterrupted power. Contact your Distribution Company (Disco) today,” the message from NERC on its X handle, stated yesterday.

A large number of electricity consumers nationwide, especially those who own homes in Nigeria but have not been in the country since the announcement was first made will be affected by the directive.
THISDAY also gathered that many Nigerians were not even aware of the meter upgrade request while others haven’t been able to update for sundry reasons.
 NERC had warned that customers who failed to meet the deadline risk being unable to energise or load their prepaid meters.

According to the agency,  the software currently operated by the meters in the country will go out of use today (November 24).
“If you have a prepaid meter, it may be time for an update. From November 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter. However, updating is easy and free.
“Discos shall commence issuance of two free KCTs which will update your meter,” NERC had stated several months ago.

Many electricity consumers have complained of not being able to load their tokens after the upgrade, while others were unaware of the process.