DisCos Must Bear Cost of Replacing Phased-Out Prepaid Meters—FCCPC

By Dipo Olowookere

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have been warned against asking for money from their customers to replace phased-out prepaid meters.

Recall that last week, Business Post reported that Ikeja Electric informed its customers using the UniStar prepaid meters rolled out over 10 years ago that the device would no longer be in use from November 14, 2024.

The energy firm said it was phasing out the prepaid meter, asking them to apply for fresh meters at the current price of the meter, which is over N100,000.

This sparked reactions from electricity consumers under the coverage areas of Ikeja Electric, with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) wading into the matter.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said customers should not be mandated to pay for another prepaid as requested by Ikeja Electric, and Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

“DisCos must bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers,” a part of the statement issued by the Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication at FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said.

The commission noted that it was engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the DisCos to ensure transparency and accountability in the metering process while safeguarding consumers’ interests.

Earlier, UniStar rubbished the insinuation that its meters were outdated, describing it as “inaccurate and does not reflect the true situation.”

The company emphasised that NERC “has not issued any directive to phase out any type of meters or metering technology,” adding that Unistar Hi-Tech meters also have STS Meter Technology in use on distribution networks.