Complete meter upgrade latest Jan 1, 2025, NERC tells DisCos

Citing sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the FCCPA Act 2018, the agency noted:  “The FCCPC notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted.

”The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.

“Contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and EKEDC.

”The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.”

“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and EKEDC 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, 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 EKEDC will not be tolerated. Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties, in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.”