NERC Mandates Meter Replacement for Phased-Out Units
The Nigerian Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has directed electricity distribution companies (Discos) to replace any meters that are phased out due to upgrades.
While there is no official directive to phase out Unistar meters, NERC clarified that these meters will soon become obsolete due to technological advancements. As a result, customers using Unistar meters will no longer be able to purchase electricity.
NERC emphasized that any meter being replaced by Discos must be substituted to ensure uninterrupted service to customers. This mandate comes amidst Nigeria’s efforts to address a significant metering gap of seven million units.
Some Discos have insisted that customers obtain new meters before a November 14 deadline. However, NERC Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni stated that there is no official directive to phase out Unistar meters and that the matter is currently being handled operationally by the Discos.
Oseni explained that the issue revolves around the Token Identifier Rollover, a technological upgrade that will make it difficult for customers to purchase electricity if their meters are not updated. He noted that Unistar meters are not upgradable and will eventually need to be phased out.
Oseni stressed that during the phase-out process, no customer should be subjected to estimated billing or denied access to electricity. He also highlighted that if customers are required to purchase meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, Discos must provide a clear refund mechanism.
In response to the Discos’ move to phase out meters without replacement plans, the All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum has urged Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company to suspend the decommissioning process until they receive formal regulatory approval from NERC.
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