By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has warned that any attempt by the Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to proceed with the planned replacement of Unistar meters in contravention of its order, will attract severe consequences.
The warning came as the Commission said it has noted with concern recent rumours that its directive to the Ikeja Electric EKEDC to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted.
A statement issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday, reiterated that the directive remains in full force.
FCCPC also stressed that contrary to the rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and EKEDC.
Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.
It added that “The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.
“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).
“The order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.”
Against this backdrop, the Commission maintained that “…non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated. Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.
“Consumers are advised to contact the FCCPC on the Commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.”
The FCCPC remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.
