Group commends NERC, FCCPC for blocking Unistar meter phase-out plan
The Patriotism Awareness Forum (PAF) has praised the intervention by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regarding a proposed plan by electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to phase out Unistar electric meters by November 14, 2024.
PAF described the agencies’ actions as essential in calming the anxiety of millions of Nigerians, expressing that it reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting consumers from corporate exploitation.
In a statement issued in Lagos, signed by Convener Nelson Ekujumi and Co-Convener Peter Claver Oparah, PAF emphasized that the involvement of NERC and FCCPC was timely. It argued that the sudden move by DISCOs could have caused severe economic and psychological stress if implemented. The forum cautioned DISCOs against making abrupt decisions that could escalate public discontent.
“We acknowledge that NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musliu Oseni, countered DISCOs’ announcement by clarifying that no official directive had been given to phase out Unistar meters,” PAF stated. “He emphasized that whenever a phase-out occurs, DISCOs are obligated to replace the meters at no cost to consumers and must not impose estimated billing or deny electricity access to customers during the transition.”
PAF also highlighted the FCCPC’s stance, led by Mr. Tunji Bello, through the Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication, Ondaje Ijagwu. In a recent statement, Ijagwu asserted that DISCOs are required to replace Unistar meters without charging consumers.
He warned against placing customers on estimated billing, stressing, “We (FCCPC) cannot allow consumers to be unfairly charged or subjected to estimated billing. This would violate existing regulations.”
The forum commended both NERC and FCCPC for their vigilance, describing their actions as a defense against DISCOs’ “harsh and thoughtless” proposal. PAF noted that forcing Nigerians to replace their Unistar meters by a set deadline would unfairly push them into a potentially corrupt estimated billing system.
PAF reminded DISCOs that electric meters are the companies’ property and reiterated NERC and FCCPC’s stance that DISCOs should handle replacements without passing costs to consumers. “We expect DISCOs to swap Unistar meters quietly and efficiently without setting deadlines or issuing notices,” PAF stated.
In closing, the forum urged NERC and FCCPC to ensure that DISCOs fully comply with these directives to avoid inflicting unnecessary burdens on Nigerians amid challenging economic times, adding that this intervention demonstrates the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
