The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday said it is engaging electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters.
The FCCPC announced this in a statement signed by Director, Special Duties (& Strategic Communication), Ondaje Ijagwu, adding that it is addressing the ongoing concerns by Ikeja Electric Plc and other DisCos following widespread consumer complaints.
Ijagwu said this is pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He explained that recent announcements by Ikeja Electric indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago will no longer be supported from November 14, 2024 due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.
“The FCCPC has observed rising anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they will be required to cover the cost of replacement meters,” Ijagwu said.
“Further concerns relate to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.
“These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.”
Ijagwu said in line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is actively engaging key stakeholders.
These include the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the 11 disCos.
The goal, according to him is to make the metering process transparent and accountable while protecting consumer interests.
He added that the FCCPC is initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders to clarify the phase-out process.
Ijagwu said the commission is also initiating discussions to ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters without imposing extra charges on consumers.
“The commission will also work to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing,” he said.
“Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation.
“The FCCPC is committed to preventing any disadvantage to consumers during this meter upgrade.
“This intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity.”
Ijagwu also promised that the FCCPC will continue to advocate for Nigerian consumers and ensure that service providers, including DisCos, act in a consumer-friendly, fair and transparent manner.
