The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has clarified that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are required to replace faulty meters for customers at no cost.
In a notice issued on Monday, the commission addressed reports that some DisCos were instructing customers to pay for faulty or outdated meter replacements. NERC stated that this practice directly violates its Order No. NERC/246/2021, which mandates the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete meters in the electricity sector.
The order ensures that no customer with a functioning meter should be forced onto estimated billing. It also specifies that when a meter is deemed faulty or obsolete, the responsibility for its replacement falls on the DisCo, provided the issue was not caused by the customer.
NERC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of electricity consumers by enforcing regulations and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
“We encourage customers to report any cases where DisCos fail to adhere to this directive,” the commission emphasized.
This follows a recent directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) instructing Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies to halt the planned withdrawal or replacement of Unistar meters. According to the FCCPC, any meter replacement must comply fully with NERC’s guidelines on the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete meters.
The announcement reinforces efforts to protect consumers and ensure fairness in the management of electricity services.
