The FCCPC also urged electric distribution companies (DISCOs) to carry energy consumers along before classifying them into bands and adhere strictly to industry regulations on billing unmetered consumers.
The Nigerian government has warned electricity distribution companies against overbilling customers.
This position was stated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) by its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), various electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and Unistar Hitech Systems Limited to address pressing metering issues impacting Nigerian consumers.
The FCCPC also urged electric distribution companies (DISCOs) to carry energy consumers along before classifying them into bands and adhere strictly to industry regulations on billing unmetered consumers.
During the meeting, Bello raised issues facing electricity consumers, from billing inaccuracies to inadequate customer care.
The FCCPC also expressed worry that systemic inefficiencies and a culture of impunity among some service providers have intensified these issues, leading to the routine exploitation of consumers.
The commission also expressed concern over practices that require consumers to pay upfront for meters without reimbursement, a direct violation of the NERC Meter Asset Provider and National Mass Metering Regulations 2021.
Bello noted that DisCos frequently place consumers with faulty meters on estimated billing, which is prohibited under NERC’s regulations.
He cited an example of a complaint received by FCCPC from an Ikeja Electric customer, who had expressed frustration at being asked to replace a functioning meter at a significant personal cost.
The FCCPC also warned DISCOs against exploitation, while directing that all meter replacement processes be conducted transparently, with costs borne by the electricity companies and not passed on to consumers.
Mr. Bello stressed that FCCPC will enforce strict compliance with these regulatory requirements to protect consumers from arbitrary charges and estimated billing.
The FCCPC also restated its commitment to enhancing consumer education on metering and billing practices to guard against potential exploitation by service providers.
He reaffirmed FCCPC’s dedication to enforcing all relevant consumer protection laws within the electricity industry to uphold consumer rights and promote fair market practices.
In the statement, the FCCPC noted that the NERC Order mandates that DISCOs must prioritise metering for unmetered customers under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) and follow strict guidelines for replacing faulty or obsolete meters.
“These guidelines require DisCos to inspect faulty meters and provide detailed information in the replacement notice, including the inspection date, the inspecting officer’s credentials, the identified fault, and the scheduled replacement date,” it said.
“Furthermore, DISCOs are prohibited from placing customers on estimated billing due to delays in meter replacement, as new meters must be installed immediately upon removing any faulty or obsolete unit.”
Nigerians have continued to lament estimated billing amid poor electricity availability.
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