EKEDC’s management disputed Tuesday that it was extorting clients over the current STS 2-meter upgrade, stating that the program was free for its customers.

This occurred after the Distribution Companies, or DISCOs, were cautioned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday to stop all operations pertaining to the scheduled replacement of Unistar meters.

Customers had previously been given a deadline by EKEDC to move all of their meters to the STS-2 platform in order to keep recharging their meters.

EKEDC has reiterated that the STS-2 meter upgrade is free and that no citizen should provide any financial or other forms of satisfaction to anyone who is upgrading their meters to the STS-2 platform after observing that some agents are asking unwary citizens for money in order to complete the upgrade.

“Our attention has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous members of the society demanding payment for the STS – 2 metre upgrade process,” the EKEDC document states.

“We hereby notify our customers and the public that the STS 2 meter upgrade is free and that EKEDC will not require payment from anyone.”

In a statement titled “Obsolete Meters”: Violation of Consumers Rights Will Have Stiff Consequences, which Vanguard was able to get, the FCCPA demanded that such acts stop.

The FCCPC notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted, the statement said, citing sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the FCCPA Act 2018. The mandate is still in effect, and these DisCos will face harsh repercussions if they try to move forward in violation of it.

“Contrary to recent rumours, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) approval of new meter prices has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and EKEDC,” read the statement, which was signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPA. Both the FCCPC and NERC have declared the planned replacement to be invalid, and there is no proof that the impacted DisCos have violated our instructions.

It is important to make clear that Ikeja and Eko DisCos must completely abide by 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) before they can withdraw or replace the Unistar meters.

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In order to prevent customers from being charged for projected bills as a result of delayed installations, the order requires that meter replacements be completed promptly, without interfering with service, and at no cost to the customer.

“The FCCPC’s stance is unwavering: Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be allowed to disregard these directions. In accordance with the terms of current consumer protection legislation, any violation of this directive will result in severe fines.

“If consumers come across any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disregard this direction, they are encouraged to get in touch with the FCCPC via the Commission’s electricity-related number, 08119877785.