NERC Directs DisCos to Replace Obsolete Meters for Free

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to replace outdated meters for customers at no cost.

In a statement released on Monday, NERC clarified that it is the responsibility of DisCos to replace obsolete or faulty meters without charging customers, as mandated by its Order No. NERC/246/2021.

The directive follows reports that some electricity companies were asking customers to replace their Unistar brand prepaid meters, which are no longer supported due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.

Compliance with NERC Mandate

Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC) recently announced that the Unistar prepaid meters—initially deployed over a decade ago—would no longer be functional from November 14. However, NERC emphasized that such replacements should be entirely borne by the distribution companies.

“The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some DisCos have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas. This contravenes the Commission’s order,” NERC stated.

Protection Against Estimated Billing

NERC further reiterated that customers should not be subjected to estimated billing under any circumstances if they have a faulty meter.

“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,” the statement added.

Reporting Non-Compliance

NERC urged customers to report cases of non-compliance to ensure that DisCos adhere to the directive and uphold customers’ rights.