IKEDC Responds to FG, Speaks on Proposed Phase-Out of Unistar Meters Today
- Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have given their views on the planned phase-out of Unistar meters
- Their reaction came after orders from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to halt any replacement efforts
- IKEDC spokesman argued that since NERC remains the regulator, its rules and regulations govern their operations and actions
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.
Amid orders from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to halt any replacement efforts, Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have addressed concerns over the planned phase-out of Unistar meters.
Source: UGC
Recall that the FCCPC instructed the DisCos to postpone meter replacements to avoid any possible interruptions and higher expenses for consumers who are already struggling financially.
Since Unistar meters are incompatible with the new STS 2.0 metering system, the DisCos had warned that they would be phased out today, November 14 and encouraged users to apply for replacement meters.
FG orders DisCos to stop replacemnet
However, the federal government ordered the Ikeja Electricity and Eko Electricity discos to immediately stop replacing Unistar-prepared meters that were scheduled to start today, claiming non-compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's (NERC) directive.
The FCCPC recently announced that its directive was still in effect and that the two DisCos would face harsh repercussions if they attempted to violate it.
“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).
“The order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations,” it stated.
How DisCos reacted
Addressing this, Babatunde Lasaki, EKEDC's general manager of corporate communications, told The Guardian that DisCo was complying with the regulator to maintain the status quo for now.
Lasaki responded to the FCCPC's statement about disobeying the instruction by arguing that since NERC is their regulator, its rules and regulations govern their operations and actions.
“The DisCos are working with our regulators and other parties to come to an amicable resolution for all concerned,” he said.
Also speaking, Kingsley Okotie, Ikeja Electric's general manager of corporate communications, told The Guardian that the company also adheres to the regulator's position on the phase-out.
“The position of regulation on this issue is clear and as such Ikeja Electric as a responsible organization that operates within the ambit of the law will not do otherwise but rather continue to work with our industry regulator (NERC) and other critical stakeholders in the sector to address grey areas as we progress,” he said.
DisCos announce hike for electricity prepaid meters
Legit.ng earlier reported that Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria again raised prices for various types of prepaid electricity meters from approximately N117,000 to as high as N149,800, depending on the distribution company and meter supplier.
The latest price revision was the second increase in less than four months.
In various messages sent to customers, DisCos said the new prices took effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
