Abuja, Nov. 13, 2024 – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP) stop their plan to replace Unistar prepaid meters.
The FCCPC gave the directive in a statement on Wednesday.
It said the directive was issued due to the DisCos’ non-compliance with instructions from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Tunji Bello, the Chief Executive of FCCPC, said the directive to discontinue the replacement process stemmed from the DISCOs’ non-compliance with NERC’s order on the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete end-user customer meters.
He said the NERC’s order mandated DISCOs to prioritise metering for unmetered customers under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and to adhere strictly to guidelines when replacing faulty or obsolete meters.
The commission expressed its concern over recent rumors that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies to immediately cease all activities relating to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted.
The FCCPC reaffirmed that its directive remained in full force and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in violation of it will result in severe consequences.
“Contrary to recent rumors, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no bearing on 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 violated our directives,” the statement clarified.
“It is essential to note that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).”
“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated.
“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in accordance with existing consumer protection laws,” the commission stressed.
