LIGHT UP! NERC SLAMS DISCOs: METER CUSTOMERS IN 10 DAYS OR FACE SANCTIONS – FAULTY METERS MUST GO IN 48 HOURS
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–“THE NIGERIAN Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reminded Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) that they must install meters for customers who have paid upfront under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme within 10 days of full payment, while faulty meters must be repaired or replaced within 48 hours of being reported.”
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NO INSTALLATION FEES:
“The commission also warned that customers should not be charged installation fees for meters provided under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), stressing that customers who pay for MAP meters are entitled to full reimbursement through energy credits.”
CONSUMER RIGHTS:
“NERC stated these consumer protection provisions in a metering factsheet published on its official X handle on Saturday, outlining electricity consumers’ rights regarding metering, billing, disconnection and dispute resolution.”
IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF POWER:
“The factsheet also states that electricity distribution companies must restore supply immediately once a customer resolves a disconnection dispute and pays the relevant fees.”
WRONGFUL DISCONNECTION:
“It added that customers who are wrongfully disconnected without due process must not be charged reconnection fees and are entitled to compensation in energy credits for each day they remain disconnected.”
HOW COMPENSATION IS CALCULATED:
“According to the commission, compensation for wrongful disconnection is calculated using the customer’s average daily consumption during the preceding three months.”
10-YEAR REIMBURSEMENT:
“On meter reimbursement, NERC explained that customers who have paid for meters under the MAP scheme should receive full reimbursement through energy credits generated automatically every month over 120 months, or 10 years.”
PROTECTION OF CREDITS:
“The commission clarified that the credits cannot be offset against old debts.”
It also outlined safeguards for customers who are billed without functional meters, stating that DisCos can only estimate their bills within applicable regulatory limits.
The factsheet noted that unmetered customers are protected by rules designed to cap estimated billing, while customers are advised to notify their distribution companies when relocating to request a final bill and settle outstanding balances before moving.
On metering interventions, NERC highlighted several initiatives introduced to accelerate meter deployment and close the metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
These include the MAP scheme, introduced in 2018; the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), launched in 2020; the MAF; and the World Bank-backed DISREP.
The commission also identified the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), scheduled to commence in 2027, with a target of deploying 750,000 meters to help bridge the metering gap.
Under the MAF, DisCos can access single-digit, long-term financing to procure and install meters for customers at no cost to them, the commission explained.
NERC further provided a three-stage dispute resolution process for electricity consumers.
Customers are expected to first lodge complaints with the Customer Complaints Unit of their respective DisCos and ensure that their complaints are acknowledged.
Where a complaint remains unresolved after 15 days, customers can escalate it to the nearest NERC Forum Office. Dissatisfied customers can subsequently appeal to the commission’s headquarters.
However, in states that have transitioned to independent electricity regulation, consumers are required to approach their respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) for the relevant stages of the complaint process.
The commission urged consumers to familiarise themselves with the applicable regulations and orders governing electricity services, noting that the factsheet was designed to explain their rights and available channels for redress.
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