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FCCPC Threatens To Penalize Discos if They Flout Unistar Meter Installation Directive
FCCPC Threatens Discos: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday threatened to penalize Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP) if they flout its directive to immediately halt the replacement of Unistar prepaid meters.
Recall Silicon Africa previously reported that the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasized that NERC’s order mandates DISCOs to prioritize metering for unmetered customers under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and to adhere strictly to guidelines when replacing faulty or obsolete meters.
FCCPC Threatens Discos
The FCCPC expressed alarm over rumors suggesting that both IKEDC and EKEDC may continue with the proposed meter replacements, despite a clear directive to cease.
The Commission made it clear that the order “remains in full force,” and any attempt by the DisCos to proceed in violation of it will result in “severe consequences”.
“Ijagwu further clarified, “Contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC.
“The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.
”He also emphasised that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot move forward with replacing 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).
Also Read: FCCPC orders Ikeja, Eko DisCos to Stop Unistar meter Installation
DisCo Non-Compliance To NERC Mandates Not To Be Tolerated
According to the FCCPC, the NERC order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service, and at no cost to the consumer, ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delays in installations.
“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 accordance with existing consumer protection laws,” the FCCPC added.
Consumers were advised to contact the FCCPC on its dedicated line for electricity-related issues, 08119877785, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disregard the directive.
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