The current situation surrounding electricity metering in Nigeria has raised significant concern among consumers, particularly with an impending deadline for upgrading prepaid meters, potentially leaving millions without access to power or subject to estimated billing. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has estimated that around three million out of the total 5,993,340 metered customers may find themselves without functioning meters if they fail to comply with the upgrade directive that commenced last year. Despite multiple reminders to the public, there are many who have not made the necessary updates. This has led to debates regarding consumer responsibility and the seemingly lackadaisical attitude toward government directives, as stated by various consumer advocacy groups.
In response to the pressing issue, NERC has outlined that starting from November 24, 2024, customers will not be able to recharge their prepaid meters unless they have upgraded them. The upgrade process has been described as simple and free, with Distribution Companies (DisCos) offering two free Key Change Tokens (KCT) to facilitate the upgrade. However, as the deadline approaches, many customers have reported difficulties, including technical problems that have prevented them from successfully updating their meters. Complaints have also arisen regarding the phasing out of Unistar meters, which have been cited for replacement by DisCos, putting additional pressure on customers who may have to bear the costs themselves, despite regulations that prohibit such practices.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has intervened in the matter, emphasizing that the responsibility for replacing faulty or obsolete meters lies with the DisCos and should not be passed on to consumers. The FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, has condemned practices that require upfront payments for meter replacements and has stressed the importance of transparency in any replacement processes. There is a growing belief among consumer rights advocates that the DisCos are exploiting customers by placing them on estimated billing while failing to provide timely and adequate meter replacements, contrary to NERC regulations which prohibit such actions during meter phase-outs.
Despite these protective measures being mandated by regulatory bodies, customers continue to face issues. Reports have emerged detailing individual cases where customers have been asked to upgrade or replace their meters at their own cost, with some being subjected to excessive estimated bills reflective of consumption levels that don’t align with their actual usage. The frustration expressed by consumers highlights a systemic failure in the electricity supply governance, with calls for greater accountability from both the DisCos and regulatory entities. There are increasing concerns that the mishandling of meter upgrades may lead to an escalation in disputes, as customers are moved to estimated billing that does not truly reflect their consumption patterns.
Consumer advocates have lamented over half of the metered customers potentially being drawn into the estimated billing trap due to the upgrade policy. Activists like Princewill Okorie argue that the current regime is creating barriers for consumers who desire metered services that reflect their true electricity usage. The historical context of the electricity supply sector in Nigeria has created a landscape where consumers feel victimized, underserved, and frustrated with an inability to effectively engage with the system. Many customers express doubts about the motives of DisCos and question how they can navigate a landscape where they feel exploited and voiceless in their grievances.
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors has promised that the necessary replacements of faulty meters will be made at no cost to customers, emphasizing that the exercise is essential for operational integrity. However, concerns remain regarding the fairness of this implementation and whether the DisCos will bear the financial burdens of these changes or pass them on to consumers indirectly. As the deadline looms, there is a palpable tension between regulatory agencies, electricity distributors, and consumers. Meanwhile, consumers lament the lack of clarity around the upgrade process, raising valid questions about whether all demographics, including the elderly and less literate individuals, have the necessary support to comply with the regulations that will impact their access to electricity.
