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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution companies on flouting its order on metering.
The FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said its directive that all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters be ceased by Ikeja and Eko DisCos remains intact.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ijagwu warned that any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of the order would attract severe consequences.
“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.
“It is essential to clarify 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,” Ijagwu said.
While calling on consumers and customers of DisCos to report any flouting of the order by the two DisCos, FCCPC stated that any breach of the directive would attract stiff penalties.
“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.
“The FCCPC remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers,” the statement added.
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