FCCPC May Sanction DisCos for Flouting Meter Replacement Directive

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commis­sion (FCCPC) said it has noted with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Compa­nies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to im­mediately cease all activities re­lated to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted.

A statement on Wednesday issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, said the directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will 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 metres in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

“The order mandates that metre 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.

“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, therefore, ad­vised consumers to contact the FCCPC on the commis­sion’s line, 08119877785, ded­icated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko Dis­Cos to disobey this directive.

The FCCPC said it re­mains unwavering in its com­mitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consum­ers against unfair practices by service providers.

Pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consum­er Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.