DisCos flouting order against demanding money from customers to replace faulty, obsolete meters: NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has accused Distribution Companies (DisCos) of violating its order to replace customers’ faulty and obsolete meters for free.
In a public notice on Monday, NERC warned the DisCos to desist from demanding fees from customers before replacing their meters.
NERC wrote, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some distribution companies (DisCos) have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas.
“This instruction contravenes the commission’s order no. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”
According to the notice, the order provides that the demand for payment for repairs or replacement only applies to customers whose meters developed issues due to their fault.
The order stated, “No customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing. If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer.”
The electricity regulatory body, however, advised customers to report DisCos making illegal financial demands from them.
“We urge customers to report cases of non-compliance to the order by any DisCo through the following channels: Phone: 1.07000 CALL NERC (07000 2255 6372) 2.0201 344 4331 3.0908 899 9244 Email: complaints@nerc.gov.ng.”
NERC emphasised its resolve to protect the interests and rights of customers by ensuring compliance with regulations and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Police arraign man over alleged theft of N15 million Ford Explorer
Mr Bashiru pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Lagos
No child can consent to sex, DSVA warns
The DSVA said a child can not consent to sexual intercourse, citing the Nigerian Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law of 2007.
Lagos
Court remands man over alleged possession of 5,000 molly tablets
The magistrate adjourned the case until November 2 for further proceedings.
Anti-Corruption
Sri Lanka’s ex-first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa arrested for fraud
Ms Rajapaksa was grilled for about two hours on Wednesday over 10 million rupees, equivalent to $30,300, in donations collected by the Siriliya Saviya charity.
States
Mikati supporters reject Ashiru’s ADC certificate of return
A coalition of Idris Mikati supporters rejected the certificate of return issued to Isa Ashiru as the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna.
States
Ododo backs unity of Kogi indigenes, seeks lasting peace
Mr Ododo said the responsibility for building peace and unity should not be left to politicians.
