The Federal Government has mandated electricity distribution companies (Discos) to replace any meters phased out due to technology upgrades, ensuring customers are not left without metering services.
This directive was issued through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which clarified that while there is no official directive to phase out Unistar meters, these meters will soon become obsolete due to technological advancements.
NERC highlighted that Unistar meters, commonly used by many consumers, will eventually stop functioning as they are not compatible with the required upgrades, particularly the Token Identifier Rollover system. Once this occurs, affected users will be unable to purchase electricity.
NERC Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, confirmed there is no formal instruction to phase out Unistar meters yet, but said the process is already being handled by the Discos.
He explained, “Operationally, if they say those meters are not upgradable, they can decide to phase them out. But as they remove the meters, based on the rule, they must replace them. It is the responsibility of the Discos to replace them.”
Oseni stressed that during the transition, no customer should be subjected to estimated billing or denied electricity access.
He added that if customers are required to purchase new meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, the Discos must provide a clear refund mechanism, as they are obligated to reimburse customers.
“It’s a win-win for both sides because customers will be frustrated if they can’t vend electricity due to rejected meters.
For Discos to remove the meter, they must ensure a replacement mechanism is in place—whether through vendor financing, Disco financing, or customer-funded MAP with a refund guarantee,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum has called on Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company to halt the decommissioning of electricity meters until formal approval from NERC is obtained.
In a letter dated October 15, 2024, and signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Adeola Samuel-Ilori, the group expressed concern over the phase-out plan, urging the Discos to first ensure proper replacement arrangements are in place.
