The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in a statement on Monday, November 18, has advised electricity consumers to refrain from paying for the replacement of faulty meters, emphasizing that it is the duty of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to bear the cost of meter replacements.
NERC clarified that as long as the meters are not tampered with by consumers, it is the utility company’s responsibility to replace them at no expense to the consumers.
Data from NERC reveals that as of the end of the second quarter of 2024, 45 percent, or 5.99 million, out of 13.19 million customers in the industry were using meters, with seven million customers experiencing estimated billing.
NERC said it “is aware that some Distribution Companies have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas. This instruction contravenes the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“The Order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing. If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer.
NERC reiterated its dedication to safeguarding consumers’ interests and rights by ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and enforcing penalties for non-compliance by its licensees.
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