FCCPC warns DisCos: No charging consumers for obsolete meter replacement

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has told electricity distribution companies that customers will not bear the cost of replacing obsolete prepaid meters. FCCPC chief Tunji Bello issued the warning in Abuja on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Bello spoke at a stakeholder engagement on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation in the electricity sector. The meeting brought together the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.

DisCos cannot pass replacement costs to consumers

Bello said DisCos must not transfer the cost of replacing worn-out meters to customers. He pointed to NERC's Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters as the guiding framework.

Under that order, electricity customers are guaranteed that they will not pay for the replacement of obsolete meters, will not have their supply cut during the exercise, and will not face estimated billing as a result of delays in implementation.

"Consumers should never be disadvantaged because infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life through no fault of their own," Bello said.

Earlier intervention forced suspension

Bello disclosed that one of his earliest actions after taking office in July 2024 was to step in over plans by one DisCo to replace obsolete Unistar prepaid meters. Customers had raised fears that they would be forced to pay for the new meters or face supply disruptions.

In response, the FCCPC convened a meeting of NERC, NEMSA, and all DisCos. That led to the suspension of the replacement programme until the exercise could be brought into full compliance with existing regulations. NERC and NEMSA jointly endorsed the decision.

Regulators must act together

Bello argued that consumer protection works best when regulators act together. He noted that the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to set up their own regulatory commissions and manage intrastate electricity markets, makes inter-agency coordination more critical.

"Consumers experience electricity as one system. When supply is interrupted, or a bill appears incorrect, they are not concerned about which regulator has jurisdiction. They simply expect protection," he said.

Bello stressed that effective regulation means preventing consumer harm, not just resolving complaints after the damage is done. He called on DisCos and power sector operators to handle customer complaints fairly, operate transparently, and meet their regulatory obligations in full. He urged consumers to use existing complaint channels and engage regulators in good faith while asserting their rights.

Bello said every regulatory decision ultimately affects millions of Nigerians, including households, small businesses, hospitals, schools, and manufacturers who depend on reliable electricity.

What this means for consumers

The FCCPC's position gives electricity customers a clear shield against illegal charges and disconnections during meter replacement. DisCos that attempt to bill customers for obsolete meters risk regulatory action.

In a related development, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has clarified that its proposed 12-month billing rule will not cancel outstanding debts already owed by electricity consumers. The regulator said the provision is forward-looking and will only become effective after the code is officially adopted.