EKEDC Denies Extorting Customers Over Ongoing STS 2-Meter Upgrade

The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has refuted allegations of extorting customers during the ongoing STS-2 meter upgrade, emphasizing that the program is entirely free for all its customers.

This statement follows a warning from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday, advising Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to halt any activities associated with the replacement of Unistar meters.

EKEDC confirmed that some operatives were reportedly asking customers for money in exchange for the upgrade.

In response, the company has reiterated that the STS-2 meter upgrade is a free service, and no customer should be coerced into providing financial or other forms of gratification during the upgrade process.

EKEDC also reminded customers of the announced deadline for transitioning all meters to the STS-2 platform to ensure continued recharging capabilities.

The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) issued a statement highlighting that it has been made aware of the actions of some dishonest individuals who are demanding payments for the STS-2 meter upgrade process.

EKEDC clarified that the STS-2 meter upgrade is completely free of charge and that the company does not require any payment from customers for the upgrade.

Additionally, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) released a statement titled “Obsolete Meters,” warning that any violation of consumers’ rights in this regard would have serious consequences.

According to the statement, “Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the FCCPA Act 2018, “ The FCCPC notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted. The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.”

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a statement clarifying recent rumors regarding the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The FCCPC emphasized that the approval of new meter prices is unrelated to the planned replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

The statement, issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, clarified that both the FCCPC and NERC have invalidated the planned replacement of Unistar meters.

It was stressed that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of these meters unless they comply with NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

The order mandates that meter replacements should be carried out promptly, without service disruptions, and at no cost to consumers. Additionally, it requires that consumers should not be subjected to estimated billing due to delays in meter installations.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to enforcing these directives, warning that non-compliance by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will lead to strict penalties under existing consumer protection laws.