The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is intervening to address growing concerns surrounding the planned phasing out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
This, according to a statement on Tuesday by the commission's Director of Special Duties, Ondaje Ijagwu, follows widespread consumer complaints about the looming deadline.
Ikeja Electric recently announced that Unistar prepaid meters, introduced more than a decade ago, would stop working after November 14, due to technology upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) renewal issue.
The FCCPC said it observed that the impending transition has generated anxiety among consumers, particularly over the financial implications of replacing outdated meters.
A key concern remains whether the cost of the new meters will be borne by consumers.
Further exacerbating these concerns is the fear that consumers could be subject to arbitrary estimated billing during the transition period, a move that would contravene existing regulatory guidance.
He said the DisCos' lack of clear communication about the removal has fueled distrust and uncertainty among the public.
Article page with financial support promotion
In response, the FCCPC said it is actively engaging key stakeholders including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the eleven distribution companies. These discussions are intended to ensure transparency in the measurement process and protect consumers from unfair costs.
The FCCPC also said it has initiated discussions with Ikeja Electric to clarify the disposal process and urges the DisCos to absorb the cost of replacing the obsolete meters without passing on additional charges to consumers.
The commission said it is committed to ensuring that regulatory guidelines are followed and that consumers are not subject to estimated billing during the transition.
In a bid to empower consumers, the FCCPC said it will also step up its educational efforts to inform the public about their rights regarding electricity metering and billing.
READ ALSO: Transmission problem causes power outages in most parts of northern Nigeria – TCN
“The FCCPC is committed to avoiding any disadvantage to consumers during this meter upgrade. “This intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to ensure fair treatment of Nigerian consumers and access to essential services such as electricity,” he said.
The FCCPC assured the public that it remains dedicated to advocating for consumers and holding service providers accountable to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the meter upgrade process.