NERC has set a deadline for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to complete the migration to Standard Transfer Specifications (STS) meters by January 1, 2025. DisCos that fail to meet the deadline will face daily penalties. The move is part of efforts to address faulty metering and ensure consumer protection.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has set a deadline for all electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to complete the migration to Standard Transfer Specifications (STS) meters by January 1, 2025. NERC warned that any DisCo failing to meet the deadline will face daily penalties starting from January 1, 2025.
This ultimatum was issued during the Fourth Quarter 2024 Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) stakeholders meeting, where NERC emphasized the urgency of updating meters to avoid service disruption. The regulatory body also highlighted the responsibility of DisCos to replace obsolete or faulty meters within their service areas.
NERC further reminded DisCos that under the Customer Protection Regulation 2023, they are prohibited from charging customers for the replacement of faulty meters or transitioning them to estimated billing. The commission’s directive aims to improve transparency and ensure that consumers are treated fairly.
The meeting also addressed concerns raised by Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), who urged DisCos to prioritize consumer rights in their metering processes. He criticized the ongoing issues of arbitrary billing and the lack of clarity in meter replacement practices, which he described as unacceptable.
The strict deadline is part of NERC’s broader efforts to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory standards and to protect consumers from billing irregularities. Failure to comply will result in severe penalties, making it critical for DisCos to act swiftly.
