The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated that electricity distribution companies (Discos) must replace any meters phased out due to technological upgrades. This directive comes from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) amid ongoing efforts to address a significant metering gap, which currently stands at approximately seven million. The commission clarified that there is no official order to phase out Unistar meters, despite the impending obsolescence of such meters as a result of technological advancements. Users of Unistar meters will eventually find themselves unable to vend electricity, underscoring the urgency for system upgrades and replacements to meet consumer demands.
Musiliu Oseni, the Vice Chairman of NERC, elaborated on the transitions regarding Unistar meters, stating that current practices around their phase-out are operationally managed by the Discos. He highlighted the importance of what he termed the “Token Identifier Rollover.” The inability to upgrade Unistar meters means that, once they are no longer operational, customers will encounter difficulties in purchasing electricity. Consequently, Oseni emphasized the necessity for these meters to be phased out to ensure that customers are not left in a problematic position regarding their electricity supply.
In discussing the replacement of these meters, Oseni made it clear that the responsibility falls on the Discos to ensure that customers are not subjected to estimated billing, nor should any customer be denied access to electricity during the meter transition. He pointed out that should customers be required to obtain new meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, the Discos must put a clear refund mechanism in place. This is vital for fostering a situation that benefits both the companies and the customers, as failing to do so would lead to customer frustration when attempting to vend electricity with non-operational meters.
The All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum (AECPF) has become active in this context, urging companies like Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company to halt any plans for decommissioning electricity meters. They called upon these Discos to wait for explicit regulatory approval from NERC before initiating any phase-out procedures. In a letter dated October 15, 2024, and signed by the Forum’s National Coordinator, Adeola Samuel-Ilori, concerns were raised about the lack of a formal replacement plan for meters that were being phased out. This signifies the growing tension between consumer rights advocates and electric distribution entities.
The role of the Discos in this entire scenario is critical, as they must navigate operational challenges while ensuring compliance with national regulations. The need for transparency in various financial mechanisms, whether through vendor financing or other means, is paramount. Customers have to be made aware of their rights concerning refunds and replacements, ensuring that their investment in new metering systems does not lead to further dissatisfaction or financial loss.
Overall, the situation illustrates the complexities of transitioning to advanced metering technology in the Nigerian electricity sector. There is a shared responsibility between regulatory bodies, distribution companies, and consumers to maintain a seamless transition that upholds service integrity while addressing the technological requirements of an evolving energy landscape. As this process unfolds, ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders will be essential for fostering an effective resolution to the current challenges in electricity distribution and consumption within Nigeria.
