FCCPC Warns DisCos Against Collecting Money From Consumers To Replace Unistar Meters
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has
reiterated its warning to both the Ikeja and Eko electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) not to 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.
Checks by PeakNews shows that already, some electricity consumers in Lagos have been asked to Cough out as much N170,000 for the replacement of the old meters.
These affected consumers were advised to pay N135,000 for meter replacement and N35,000 for installation.
However, in a statement yesterday, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, while faulting the Discos said “directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.
“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.
