The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expressed concern over recent rumours suggesting that Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) might disregard the directive to halt the planned replacement of Unistar meters.
The FCCPC affirmed that the directive remained fully in effect, and that any attempt by these DisCos to violate it would result in severe consequences.
The FCCPC, in a statement issued by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu clarified that the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is unrelated to the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC.
It said this planned replacement was invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC and that there is no evidence suggesting that the DisCos had violated its directive.
“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,” it said.
According to FCCPC, its stance is unequivocal, saying any non-compliance by Ikeja and Eko DisCos would not be tolerated as any breach of this directive would incur stringent penalties in accordance with current consumer protection laws.
The agency said consumers who encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to flout this directive were encouraged to report the matter to the FCCPC through its dedicated line for electricity issues: 08119877785.
The body stated that it remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from unfair practices by service providers.