The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is actively engaging with Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and other stakeholders in the electricity sector to enhance transparency and accountability in metering processes.
This initiative comes in response to concerns regarding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other DISCOs, following numerous consumer complaints.
In a statement issued by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication, the discussions aim to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DISCOs cover the costs associated with replacing the phased-out meters, without passing additional charges onto consumers.
Ijagwu emphasized that the Commission is committed to enforcing compliance with regulatory guidelines to prevent unfair charges or arbitrary estimated billing for consumers.
“Recent announcements by Ikeja Electric Plc indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue,” he noted.
The FCCPC has recognized rising consumer anxiety regarding potential financial burdens and the risk of being placed on estimated billing during this transition, which would contravene existing regulations.
“Insufficient communication from the DISCOs about the phase-out process has exacerbated uncertainty and distrust among consumers,” Ijagwu added.
To fulfill its mandate of protecting consumers and promoting fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is working closely with key stakeholders to address these pressing issues.