NERC Warns DisCos Against Charging For Meter Replacements.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a strong warning to Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) against requiring customers to pay for the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters. This directive reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to upholding customer rights and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
In a notice shared on its X handle on Monday, NERC emphasised that such practices are a direct violation of Order No. NERC/246/2021. This Order mandates DisCos to replace defective meters at no cost to customers, provided the fault is not caused by customer negligence.
The Commission reiterated that no customer should be forced to switch to estimated billing due to a faulty or obsolete meter. It declared that the responsibility for meter replacement lies solely with the DisCos.
“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 notice read.
NERC further stated: “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.”
Consumers have been encouraged to report instances of non-compliance via NERC’s official channels. The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to enforce regulatory penalties against any DisCo found violating this directive.
Customers can lodge complaints through the following:
Phone: 07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372), 0201 344 4331, or 0908 899 9244
Email: complaints@nerc.gov.ng
This move underscores NERC’s dedication to safeguarding consumer interests while ensuring fair and efficient electricity service delivery across the country.
