Pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) that disobedience to its orders and directives on the deployment of Unistar meters will be met with stiff sanctions in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.

A statement signed by the Director, Corporate affairs of FCCPC, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu stated that the directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.

Ijagwu reiterated that the planned replacement of old meters with Unistar meter contravene both the directive by NERC and FCCPC, except the Distribution companies 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 Consumer Commission further warned the Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted.

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. 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 of faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters, neither can they
replace them with the Unistar meters

He said 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.

The statement further advised consumers 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 said it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.