The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) not to flout its directives on obsolete meters.
Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, in a statement on Wednesday, said, “Any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.”
The FCCPC said it reaffirmed its stance, in accordance with Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, regarding the planned replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC and EKEDC).
“The FCCPC has issued a stern warning that any disregard for its directive on this matter will have severe consequences.
Recent speculations suggested that IKEDC and EKEDC might proceed with replacing the Unistar meters despite the FCCPC’s directive to halt such activities. The Commission has clarified that this directive remains in full force and any attempt to contravene it will be met with stiff penalties.
“Contrary to rumours, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) recent approval of new meter prices is unrelated to the proposed replacement of Unistar meters. Both the FCCPC and NERC have invalidated the planned replacement, and there is no evidence suggesting that the DisCos have violated these directives.
The FCCPC emphasised that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot withdraw or replace the Unistar meters without adhering to NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021). According to the order, meter replacements must be carried out promptly, without disrupting service, and at no cost to consumers, while also ensuring customers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delays in installation.
“The Commission reiterated that any non-compliance by these DisCos will not be tolerated and will
attract stiff penalties as prescribed by existing consumer protection laws.
Consumers who experience attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to violate these directives are encouraged to reach out to the FCCPC through its dedicated electricity issue hotline at 08119877785.
“The FCCPC remains resolute in its mission to protect Nigerian consumers from unfair practices and ensure that service providers comply with established regulations,” the commission stated.
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