The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) not to violate its directive regarding the replacement of obsolete meters. In a statement released on Wednesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, emphasized that any attempt by these distribution companies to proceed with the planned meter replacements would lead to severe consequences.
The FCCPC reiterated its position based on multiple sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018, regarding the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IKEDC and EKEDC. The Commission has made it clear that its directive remains in full force and must be adhered to by the DisCos. Recent reports suggested that both companies might disregard the FCCPC’s directive, but the Commission assured the public that such actions would not go unpunished.
In addition to the FCCPC’s warning, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has also issued a separate order on the matter. Despite NERC’s recent approval of new meter prices, it is unrelated to the planned replacement of Unistar meters. Both the FCCPC and NERC have jointly invalidated the replacement plans, with the FCCPC insisting that no meter can be replaced without proper adherence to NERC’s Order No. NERC/246/2021, which requires prompt and cost-free replacements.
The FCCPC’s statement also stressed that consumers should not be charged additional costs nor subjected to estimated billing due to delays in meter installations. The Commission urged customers facing any violations by IKEDC or EKEDC to report the incidents immediately through its dedicated electricity issue hotline at 08119877785.
The FCCPC remains firm in its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from unfair practices and ensuring that service providers comply with all established regulations. Any non-compliance by the DisCos will lead to severe penalties, as per existing consumer protection laws.