- Asked consumers to report suspicious activities for punishment
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has asked Ikeja and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to, immediately, cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.
The Commission reminded the DisCos of earlier directive in that regard, and the agreements reached with all parties on the matter, particularly as it concerns the welfare and protection of consumers against unnecessary exploitation.
Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, in a statement, on Wednesday, said the Commission has received rumours of violation of the directives, stating that the FCCPC’s position remains clear, and non-compliance with the directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated, and will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.
He added: “Contrary to recent 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 IKEDC and EKEDC. Beside, the planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC.
“But 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.”
He thus asked consumers to contact the FCCPC on the Commission’s dedicated channel of communication on electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey the directive.
He said the FCCPC remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.