EKEDC denies extorting customers over ongoing STS 2-meter upgrade

The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has firmly denied any allegations of extorting customers during the ongoing STS 2-meter upgrade.

They have emphasized that the program is entirely free for their customers.

On Wednesday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a warning to Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to stop all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.

Concerned about reports of some operatives asking for payment from unsuspecting citizens for the meter upgrade, EKEDC has reiterated that the STS-2 meter upgrade is free. Consequently, customers are advised not to offer any financial compensation or other forms of payment to anyone involved in the meter upgrade process. They have previously set a deadline for customers to switch all their meters to the STS-2 platform to ensure uninterrupted meter recharging.

The EKEDC announcement highlighted their concern over the activities of some dishonest members of the community who were demanding payment for the STS-2 meter upgrade process, while also informing customers and the general public that the upgrade is free and EKEDC will not impose any payment demands.

In a statement titled “Obsolete Meters: Violation of Consumer Rights Will Have Stiff Consequences,” the FCCPA called for an immediate halt to such practices.

According to the statement, “Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the FCCPA Act 2018,” the Federal Communications Commission (FCCPC) has expressed concern over recent rumors suggesting that Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) may ignore its directive to halt all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters. The directive remains in effect, and any attempt by these DisCos to disregard it will result in severe consequences.

The statement, issued by Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPA, Ondaje Ijagwu, clarifies that the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is unrelated to the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and EKEDC. It further notes that the planned replacement has been nullified by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no evidence of the affected DisCos violating our directives.

The statement emphasizes the importance of clarifying that Ikeja and Eko DisCos are not authorized to withdraw or replace the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

This order mandates that meter replacements must be carried out promptly, without interrupting service, and at no cost to the consumer. It also ensures that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

The FCCPC’s stance is clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated. It stresses that any breach of the directive will result in severe penalties in accordance with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.