Meter replacement drive: FCCPC steps in to make metering processes transparent, accountable

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), says it is engaging Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and other stakeholders in the electricity sector to make metering processes transparent and accountable.

FCCPC said the engagement was to address ongoing concerns surrounding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other DisCos following widespread consumers’ complaints.

A statement issued by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director, Special Duties and Strategic Communication, in Abuja on Tuesday, said the discussion was to clarify the phase-out process.

He said the discussion would also ensure that DisCos bore the cost of replacement of the phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.

Ijagwu said the Commission would work to ensure that DisCos complied with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing.

”Recent announcements by Ikeja Electric Plc indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from Nov. 14, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.

”The FCCPC has observed rising anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they will be required to cover the cost of replacement of meters.

”Further concerns relate to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.

”These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.

”In line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is actively engaging key stakeholders.

”The stakeholders are, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven (11) DisCos,” he said.

He said the commission would scale up its consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing to prevent exploitation.

The director said that the FCCPC was committed to preventing any disadvantage to consumers during this meter upgrade.

”This intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity.”

Ijagwu said the commission would continue to advocate for consumers and ensure that service providers including DisCos, acted in a consumer-friendly, fair, and transparent manner.