Electricity Consumer Rights: FCCPC Warns Against Unfair Metering and Billing Practices
Written by Agboola Oluwafemi on November 6, 2024
The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, has urged electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to uphold consumer rights, especially in the metering processes.
He made this appeal on Tuesday at a meeting in Abuja, attended by key stakeholders in Nigeria’s electricity sector and FCCPC officials.
“We are here today because consumers’ rights in metering must be a priority,” Bello said.
“The recent challenges, especially the arbitrary billing practices and the lack of transparency in metering are unacceptable. We must ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that all practices adhere to the guidelines set out by regulatory bodies like the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission,” he added.
The discussion addressed rising concerns about metering, with a focus on billing inconsistencies and outdated meters, particularly in light of recent announcements by DisCos. Bello’s comments coincided with the FCCPC’s focus on the phase-out of the Unistar prepaid meter model, a development that may pose significant issues for consumers.
The transition, set to commence on November 14, 2024, has sparked concerns over whether consumers will be expected to cover the cost of replacing these meters or if they will face estimated billing, which is expressly prohibited by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Bello shared a message from a frustrated customer of Ikeja Electric who had reached out to the FCCPC, stating, “Good evening FCCPC? The exploitation of IKEDC on the change of meter is unacceptable. To change the meters in my house will cost about N1M. Please kindly intervene.”
Addressing this, Bello insisted that DisCos should cover the costs of meter replacements during the transition period, without transferring financial burdens to consumers. “Consumers should not have to pay for meters that are outdated or no longer in use,” he said.
“The regulations are clear: any transition must be done without burdening the consumer,” he added.
The FCCPC also condemned the prevalent practice of placing customers with faulty meters on estimated billing, describing it as a violation of NERC’s standards.
“Discos have no excuse for failing to follow proper procedures, including reimbursement for meter purchases and ensuring faulty meters are promptly replaced,” Bello added.
“We will not tolerate any disregard for the rules. Corrective actions will be immediate,” he said.
The meeting further served as a forum for stakeholders to express their perspectives on these issues.
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Author: Agboola Oluwafemi
Marketing Expert
