Ignore our directives, face severe sanction, FCCPC warns IKEDC, EKEDC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Ikeja (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (EKEDC) of severe consequences if they disregard its directive to cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC expressed concern over “rumours” that its directive to the two DisCos was being ignored.

“The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences,” the FCCPC stated.

The Commission clarified that, contrary to circulating rumours, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) approval of new meter prices is unrelated to the proposed Unistar meter replacement by IKEDC and EKEDC.

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It insisted that the planned replacement had been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC.

“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with 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).

“The order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service, at no cost to the consumer, and that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated.

“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws,” the statement continued.

The Commission advised consumers to contact the FCCPC’s dedicated electricity issues line if they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to violate the directive.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE