The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection CommisĀsion (FCCPC) said it has noted with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution CompaĀnies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to imĀmediately cease all activities reĀlated 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. Ā
āContrary to recent ruĀmours, the approval of new meter prices by the NigeriĀan Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proĀposed replacement of UniĀstar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC.
āThe planned replaceĀment has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no inĀdication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.
āIt is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unĀless they fully comply with NERCās order on structured replacement of faulty and obsolete end-user customĀer metres in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).
āThe order mandates that metre replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subĀjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.
āThe FCCPCās position remains clear: non-compliĀance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated.
āAny breach of this direcĀtive will attract stiff penalĀties in line with the proviĀsions of existing consumer protection laws.ā
The FCCPC, therefore, adĀvised consumers to contact the FCCPC on the commisĀsionās line, 08119877785, dedĀicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisĀCos to disobey this directive.
The FCCPC said it reĀmains unwavering in its comĀmitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumĀers 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 ConsumĀer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
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