The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has cautioned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) against compelling customers to pay for the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters within their coverage areas.
In a public notice obtained by newsmen, the commission expressed concern that some DisCos had reportedly directed customers to apply and bear the cost of replacing such meters.
NERC described the directive as a violation of its existing regulation—Order No. NERC/246/2021—on the structured replacement of faulty and obsolete end-use customer meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The Commission clarified that under the said order, no customer with a functioning meter should be transitioned to estimated billing, and where a meter is deemed faulty or outdated, the responsibility of replacement lies solely with the DisCo.
This replacement, NERC emphasized, must be carried out at no cost to the customer, provided the fault did not result from the customer’s actions.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, NERC stated that it would continue to enforce compliance with regulatory standards and hold licensees accountable through appropriate penalties for non-compliance.
Customers have been encouraged to report any breaches of the directive by DisCos.
The commission urged consumers to remain vigilant and proactive in defending their rights within the power sector.
