Unistar Hi-Tech Debunks Discos’ Claims, Says Meters Upgradable

Unistar Hi-Tech Meters has declared that its prepaid meters with Card Meter Technology are upgradeable and fully compatible with the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) Meter Technology currently employed in distribution networks.

Unistar Hi-Tech Meters Spokesperson, Niyi Adewoye said Unistar’s STS meters have encountered no issues with the TID rollover process, thereby debunking recent claims about the compatibility of the company’s meters.

Adewoye’s clarification countered claims by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company advising customers in Lagos and parts of Ogun State to replace their existing Unistar prepaid meters.

The two Discos announced that users of Unistar meters should apply for new ones via their websites. They stated further that the current meters would no longer be able to sell energy units starting November 14, 2024, due to incompatibility with the new STS 2.0 metering system.

They advised consumers to purchase new meters, claiming the existing units would be decommissioned and rendered non-functional after the stated date.

Unistar’s spokesperson, in a statement, however, said those notices from EKEDC, issued on October 11, 2024, and followed by a similar notice from Ikeja Electric two days later were inaccurate and not the true situation.

Unistar explained that it operates two types of meters: the older Card Meter Technology and the more recent South African-based STS Technology.

While acknowledging that the Card Meter Technology is older, Adewoye asserted its reliability, stating that consumers have consistently validated its effectiveness with no reported issues.

Unistar’s spokesperson reiterated that ongoing upgrades to STS technology do not impact the functionality of Card Meter Technology.

“Our meters are upgradeable,” Adeoye noted.

Unistar further explained that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive to phase out any specific type of meters or metering technology.

The company reaffirmed its dedication to providing high-quality meters that comply with Nigerian Metering Codes.

“Our meters have been in use in Nigeria for nearly 20 years, and we have consistently supported electricity distribution networks by delivering essential services throughout this period,” Unistar stated.

The Federal Government had previously declared that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) must replace meters that are phased out due to upgrades.

NERC confirmed this position, noting that while there is no directive to phase out Unistar meters, they may become inoperable owing to technological upgrades, making them unusable for energy vending.

Musiliu Oseni, NERC Chairman emphasised that no official directive exists regarding the phase-out of Unistar meters.

He clarified that the Discos have the authority to phase out such meters while the Federal Government is responsible for protecting the interests of consumers.

Oseni assured electricity consumers that they would not be required to pay for new meters when the old ones are eventually phased out.

The Discos should bear the cost of replacement, as he outlined that for DisCos to retire prepaid meters, a mechanism for replacement must be established, whether through vendor financing, DisCo financing, or funding by a Meter Asset Provider, with the understanding that customers would be refunded.