Don’t migrate customers forcefully to estimated billing – NERC warns DisCos

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a stern warning to electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) against forcing customers with faulty meters into the estimated billing system. The regulator emphasized that such actions contravene its directives and violate customer rights.

In a statement released on Monday, November 18, NERC expressed concern over reports that some DisCos are instructing customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters within their franchise areas.

“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,” the statement read.

The commission highlighted that this practice goes against its Order No. NERC/246/2021, which governs the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

According to the directive, it is the responsibility of the DisCos to replace any faulty or obsolete meters at no cost to the customer, provided the damage was not caused by the customer. Furthermore, the order prohibits the forced migration of customers with functional meters to the estimated billing regime.

NERC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and enforcing compliance among its licensees. “The Commission is determined to protect customers’ interests by ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and will impose penalties on non-compliant licensees,” the statement added.

Customers have been urged to report any instances of non-compliance to NERC through its designated channels. This warning comes amid ongoing challenges in the Nigerian electricity sector, where meter replacement and billing transparency remain significant concerns for consumers.