The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies, stating that any attempt to proceed with the replacement of Unistar meters will be met with severe consequences.
The warning, which is in line with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
The commission stated that the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has no bearing on the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja and Eko.
The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached their directives.
The statement, titled “Obsolete Meters: Violation of Consumers Rights Will Have Stiff Consequences,” makes it clear 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.
“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,” the statement noted.
“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 line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.
“Consumers are advised to contact the FCCPC on the Commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.
“The FCCPC remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.”
