. Says Request For Customers To Pay For Meters Illegal
. Urges Electricity Consumers To Report Erring Discos
By Sulaimon Salau
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has insisted that the electricity distribution companies must replace the obsolete and faulty prepaid meters free of charge.
The commission in a statement issued today (Monday) and obtained by SlyeNews stated that a situation where the Discos are asking customers to pay for replacement of obsolete and faulty meters is in contravention of Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Act.
It therefore urged customers to report cases of non-compliance to the commission.
The statement reads: “NERC 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 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: 07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372); 0201 344 4331; 0908 899 9244. Email: [email protected]” it stated.
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