By Ladi Gbegi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated discussions with Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and other key stakeholders in the electricity sector to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing metering process.
This engagement is in response to widespread customer complaints, particularly about the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other DisCos.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, FCCPC’s Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication, Ondaje Ijagwu emphasized that the discussions aim to clarify the phase-out procedure and ensure that consumers are not burdened with the cost of replacing the phased-out meters. The FCCPC is working to ensure that DisCos adhere to regulatory guidelines, preventing unfair charges or the imposition of estimated billing on consumers.
Ijagwu noted that Ikeja Electric Plc recently announced that Unistar prepaid meters, which were deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported starting November 14.
This is due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue. However, the announcement has raised concerns among consumers about potential financial implications, particularly whether they would need to bear the cost of meter replacement.
“Consumers are also worried about the possibility of being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing regulations,” Ijagwu said, adding that poor communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process has further fueled uncertainty and distrust.
In line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness, the FCCPC is engaging with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and all eleven DisCos. The Commission aims to prevent any exploitation of consumers during this upgrade and will intensify its consumer education efforts on their rights regarding metering and electricity billing.
Ijagwu reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to ensuring that consumers are treated fairly during this transition, stressing that the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which seeks to guarantee fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity. The FCCPC will continue to advocate for consumer protection and ensure that service providers operate transparently and in the best interests of consumers.
