Order No. NERC/246/2021: NERC reminds DisCos of obligation to replace faulty prepaid meters free of charge
…. releases contacts for customers to report non-compliant DisCos
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reiterated that electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) are responsible for the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters at no cost to customers.
This directive, outlined in the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021, aims to ensure compliance within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
In a statement released on Monday and obtained by Advisors Reports, NERC debunked claims attributed to some DisCos suggesting that customers must apply and pay for the replacement of faulty or outdated meters.
The regulator emphasized that such claims contradict the provisions of its order.
“If any customer’s meter is deemed faulty or obsolete by a DisCo, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided the fault was not caused by the customer,” the statement clarified.
NERC also warned against the forced migration of customers with functional meters to estimated billing systems, underscoring that this practice is a violation of its regulations.
To ensure adherence to these rules, NERC has encouraged customers to report instances of non-compliance by DisCos.
It stated that complaints can be directed to the Commission through the following contact numbers:
- 07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372)
- 0201 344 4331
- 0908 899 9244
The Commission therefore reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights by enforcing compliance with regulatory standards and imposing penalties for violations.
“NERC remains steadfast in ensuring that electricity consumers receive fair treatment and reliable service in line with the industry’s standards,” the statement stated.