NERC orders DisCos to replace meters free

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has mandated that all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in the country replace outdated or faulty customer meters without imposing any costs on consumers.

This directive, confirmed in a statement released by NERC’s management on Monday, follows mounting complaints about some companies compelling customers to fund the replacement of Unistar prepaid meters.

Highlighting regulatory obligations, NERC made it clear that the expense of replacing defective or obsolete meters must be borne by the DisCos.

The commission reiterated that under no circumstances should customers be billed on an estimated basis if they already have a meter.

“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.

“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 statement read.

NERC underscored that any meter found to be faulty or obsolete must be replaced by the relevant DisCo at no cost, unless the issue was caused by the customer. This policy aims to ensure that consumers receive transparent and accurate billing, further reinforcing trust in the electricity supply system.