The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Monday warned of stringent sanctions if its metering directives to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) are flouted.
The Commission also refuted reports suggesting a meter replacement fee for affected consumers, clarifying that these claims are false.
The warning follows recent allegations of disregard for metering directives.
The phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are due to widespread consumer complaints.
IKEDC indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported as of November 14, 2024, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.
In response, the commission mandated that DisCos must not charge consumers for the replacement of prepaid meters, citing Sections 17(j), (l), (s), 116(2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
On Wednesday, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that DisCos are not charging affected consumers a meter replacement fee, contrary to prior reports.
“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (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 IKEDC 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 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, at no cost to the consumer, and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.”
The commission reiterated its position, emphasizing that 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,” FCCPC said.
The FCCPC further urged consumers to contact the Commission’s dedicated electricity line, 08119877785, if they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.