Nigeria NERC to Nigerians: Report DisCos Charging for Meter Replacements

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity consumers not to pay for faulty or obsolete meter replacements, as it is the responsibility of distribution companies (DisCos). NERC emphasized strict enforcement of its guidelines to protect consumers and urged reports of non-compliance via official channels.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a clear directive to electricity consumers, emphasizing that the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters should not attract any charges. According to NERC, the responsibility lies solely with electricity distribution companies (DisCos), provided the meter has not been tampered with by the consumer.

In a statement released on Monday, November 18, NERC highlighted that some DisCos have instructed customers to pay for meter replacements within their franchise areas. NERC explained that this practice contravenes its Order No. NERC/246/2021, which mandates a structured and cost-free replacement process for such meters.

The commission further underscored that no consumer with a functional meter should be transitioned to estimated billing. Instead, DisCos must replace obsolete or malfunctioning meters without imposing any financial burden on customers.

As of the second quarter of 2024, NERC's data revealed that 45% of electricity consumers—approximately 5.99 million out of 13.19 million customers—are metered, leaving seven million reliant on estimated billing.

NERC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights by ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. It also encouraged customers to report instances of DisCos' non-compliance through official complaint channels, including phone lines and email.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report violations promptly to protect their rights under existing regulations.