From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has urged customers of all Distribution Company of Nigeria (DisCos), to stop paying for faulty or obsolete meters as directed by the DisCos.
It could be recalled that DisCos has recently asked its customers to apply and pay for faulty meters. This the regulatory agency said it is null and void; saying, “if any DisCo ask you for that, report such case to the Commission immediately for appropriate action.”
In a statement by the Commission which was posted on its X handle, said any DisCos who ask for payment of any faulty meters, is contravening the regulations of the Commission.
According to it, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some Distribution Companies (DisCos), have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas.
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“This instruction contravenes the Commission’s Order No.NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“The Order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing.
“If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer.
“The Commission restates its commitment to protect customers’ interests and rights by ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards and enforcing regulatory penalties for non-compliance by its licensees.
“We urge customers to report cases of non-compliance to the Order by any DisCo through the following channels: Phone numbers: 07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372), 0201 344 4331, 0908 899 9244 and Email: complaints@nerc.gov.ng.
