The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, has advised electricity distribution companies in Nigeria to prioritise the rights of consumers in the electricity metering processes.
Making the call on Tuesday at an urgent meeting between key stakeholders from Nigeria’s electricity sector and the FCCPC in Abuja, Bello stressed the importance of safeguarding consumers’ rights in the electricity sector.
According to him, systemic inefficiencies continue to plague Nigerian consumers, particularly in relation to metering and billing practices.
Stressing that 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.”
The meeting addressed mounting concerns over metering issues, including billing discrepancies and the handling of obsolete meters.
The FCCPC addressed growing concerns over the phase-out of the Unistar prepaid meter model that could create additional hardships for consumers.
Bello explained that the shift was sharply criticized by one distressed Ikeja Electric customer, who wrote to the FCCPC, alleging that exploitation of consumers by IKEDC over the change of meter is unacceptable.
“To change the meters in my house will cost about N1 million. Please kindly intervene,” the IKDC customer wrote in the message to FCCPC.
Bello explained that DisCos must bear the costs of replacing meters without imposing additional charges on consumers, especially during the transition phase.
According to him, consumers should not have to pay for meters that are outdated or no longer in use.
Prioritize rights of consumers – FCCPC tells electricity distribution companies
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