The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection, the key agency responsible for the protection of consumer rights in Nigeria, is currently engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven (11) DisCos on the proposed phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters.

The FCCPC who in Pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal
Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 swung into action after widespread consumer complaints, said the major goal of the robust engagements is to make the metering process transparent and accountable while protecting consumer interests.

This follows the recent announcements by Ikeja Electric indicating 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 Commission further observed rising over the financial burden of the cost of the replacement especially when it rests on the shoulders of the consumer, and the possibility of arbitrary estimated billing during the transitioning.

While insisting that this will violate existing rules, the FCCPC frowned at insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.

The defending of consumers in Nigeria while initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders is seeking clarification on the phase-out process and ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.

The statement further reiterates that the Commission’s resolve at ensuring that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing. Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation.

It also stressed that it is committed to preventing any disadvantage to consumers during the meter upgrade and ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity.

The Commission said it will continue to advocate for Nigerian consumers and ensure that service providers, including DisCos, act in a consumer-friendly, fair, and transparent manner.