NERC DIRECTS DISCOS TO REPLACE OUTDATED METERS AT NO COST TO CUSTOMERS. (PHOTO).

 NERC Directs Discos to Replace Outdated Meters at No Cost to Customers

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to replace outdated prepaid meters for their customers free of charge. According to NERC, under the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Act, it is the responsibility of DisCos to replace faulty or obsolete meters, at no cost to the consumer.

The directive was issued in a statement released by NERC's management on Monday. This follows complaints from customers regarding some DisCos, like Ikeja Electric Plc and Eko Electricity Distribution Company, which had demanded customers with old Unistar prepaid meters replace them by November 14, 2024, or face being moved to estimated billing. This move sparked public backlash, with both NERC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission intervening, especially after Unistar asserted that there was nothing wrong with its meters.

The controversy was exacerbated by concerns over the rising cost of meters amid the country’s economic challenges, including high inflation and energy prices. NERC emphasized that customers should not be required to pay for meter replacements, and any DisCos demanding payment for meter replacement should be reported.

In its statement, NERC reiterated that no customer should be subjected to estimated billing if their meter is faulty or obsolete, unless the fault was caused by the customer. The commission also assured that it would continue to enforce regulatory standards and penalties for DisCos that fail to comply with the directive. Affected customers were urged to report any violations through NERC’s designated communication channels.