The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has warned electricity users not to pay for the replacement of defective meters, emphasizing that it is the obligation of electricity distribution companies, DisCos, to handle the meter replacements.
In a statement released on Monday, November 18, the Commission clarified that as long as the meters remain unaltered by users, the utility company is responsible for conducting the replacements at no expense to the users.
Data from NERC indicated that at the conclusion of the second quarter of 2024, 45 percent, or 5.99 million, out of 13.19 million customers in the sector were metered, while seven million customers were relying on estimated billing.
NERC noted that it “is aware that certain Distribution Companies have directed customers to submit applications and cover costs for the replacement of defective and outdated meters within their service areas. This directive violates the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021 regarding the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“The Order clearly stipulates that no customer with a functioning meter should be forcibly transitioned to estimated billing. If any customer’s meter is deemed obsolete or faulty by any DisCo, the DisCo is accountable for replacing the meter at no cost, given that the fault was not induced by the customer.
“The Commission reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding customer interests and rights by ensuring adherence to established regulatory standards and implementing regulatory penalties for non-compliance by its licensees.