FCCPC Engages Power Firms on Prepaid Meter Phase-Out, Commits to Safeguarding Consumer Rights

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is addressing consumer concerns regarding the planned phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other distribution companies (DisCos), following numerous complaints.

Ikeja Electric recently announced that the Unistar prepaid meters, initially deployed over a decade ago, would no longer be supported after November 14, 2024, due to technological advancements and issues related to the Token Identifier (TID) rollover, according to Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC Director of Special Duties & Strategic Communication.

As consumers express anxiety over potential financial burdens, including the cost of replacing phased-out meters, the FCCPC is actively engaging stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the 11 DisCos, to ensure consumer protection. Concerns also include whether consumers will be unfairly placed on estimated billing during the transition, which violates existing guidelines.

The FCCPC aims to make the metering process transparent and fair by ensuring that DisCos shoulder the replacement costs. Additionally, the FCCPC pledges to ramp up consumer education to safeguard against exploitation and ensure DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines. This intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which emphasizes protecting consumer rights and ensuring access to essential services like electricity.

The FCCPC is committed to ensuring fairness and transparency during the meter upgrade process, working to prevent undue financial burdens or disadvantages for Nigerian consumers.