The Federal Government has mandated electricity distribution companies (Discos) to replace any meters phased out due to technological upgrades. This directive was issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which clarified that while Unistar meters are not officially being phased out yet, they will soon become obsolete due to upgrades, making it impossible for users to continue purchasing electricity.
NERC emphasized that any meter removed by Discos must be replaced to avoid disruptions in customers’ metering. As Nigeria grapples with a seven million metering gap, some Discos have told customers to get new meters before a November 14 deadline.
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NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained that the challenge is related to the Token Identifier Rollover and that Unistar meters are not upgradable, meaning they will eventually need to be phased out. He stressed that when this happens, it is the Discos’ responsibility to replace the meters and ensure no customer is placed on estimated billing or denied electricity.
If customers are asked to purchase new meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, Discos must provide a clear refund process. Oseni highlighted that customers must be refunded after buying new meters, ensuring a fair system for all parties.
In the meantime, the All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum has called on Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company to halt meter decommissioning until formal regulatory approval is given by NERC. The forum expressed disappointment that meters are being phased out without proper replacement plans.
