NERC directs DisCos to provide free replacement for old meters

 

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to replace obsolete meters for their customers at no cost

This mandate comes after some DisCos required customers to pay for replacing Unistar prepaid meters, which were first deployed over 10 years ago and are now obsolete

NERC emphasized that the cost of replacement falls solely on the DisCos and reiterated that no customer should be subjected to estimated billing

Customers are encouraged to report any non-compliance to NERC

What NERC is saying

“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some Distribution Companies (DisCos) have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas.

“This instruction contravenes the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. The Order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing. 

“If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer,” NERC said.

We urge customers to report cases of non-compliance to the Order by any DisCo through the following channels:

Phone:
1.   07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372)
2.   0201 344 4331
3.   0908 899 9244
*Email:* complaints@nerc.gov.ng

#NERC #Meters #DisCos #ConsumerProtection

Sources:
1.
Discos responsible for phased-out meters replacement – FCCPC - 23rd October 2024:

2.
NERC NIGERIA on SpcaeX

3. Discos to provide free replacement for old meters