The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), reiterated that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are solely responsible for replacing faulty or obsolete meters for customers at no cost, provided the damage was not caused by the customer.
This clarification was issued in a public notice on Monday, following reports that some DisCos were demanding payment from customers for meter replacements.
NERC emphasized that such practices violate its “Order No. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”.
The Order explicitly prohibits the migration of customers with meters to estimated billing.
It states, “If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge.”
NERC also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers rights and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The Commission encouraged customers to report any DisCo failing to adhere to this directive.
This statement comes in the wake of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)’s recent directive to Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to halt the planned replacement of Unistar meters.
FCCPC stressed that such replacements cannot proceed unless they fully comply with NERC’s structured replacement guidelines.
NERC warned that non-compliance with its orders would attract regulatory penalties, underscoring its determination to enforce consumer protection within the power sector.
