The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that it is the responsibility of electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to replace faulty meters without seeking for payment.
NERC, in a notice on Monday stressed that as long as the fault did not originate from the customer, the DisCos should replace it for free, explaining that failure to do so is against the order of the Commission.
“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 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 notice stated.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting 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: Phone: 07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372), 0201 344 4331, 0908 899 9244. Email: complaints@nerc.gov.ng,” it added.
