FCCPC engages DisCos on replacement of phased-out metres

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has disclosed that it is partnering with stakeholders to address the ongoing concerns regarding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Ondaje ljagwu, Director, Special Duties and Strategic Communication at FCCPC said there were widespread consumer complaints on the current situation.

Ikeja Electric had said the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, due to technological upgrades and the token identifier (TID) rollover issue.

Responding to the situation, the commission said it had observed increasing anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they would have to cover the cost of replacement meters.

“Further concerns relate to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules,” FCCPC said.