Metre Upgrade: We’re engaging Ikeja DisCos, others, FCCPC assures consumers

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said it was presently addressing the ongoing concerns, surrounding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

The Commission stated that the action, had become imperative following widespread consumer complaints regarding recent announcements by Ikeja Electric that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, 2024, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.

FCCPC, in a statement signed by its Director, Special. Duties (and Strategic Communication), Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, on Tuesday, said it had observed rising anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they would be required to cover the cost of replacement meters.

Other concerns of the consumers, which the Commission said it had also observed,. Relate to the possibility of such consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.

“These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust,” it stated.

The agency, therefore, assured that it is actively engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven DisCos, in line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace.

“The FCCPC is initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.

“The Commission will also work to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing.

“Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation,” it stated.