THE management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) yesterday denied extorting customers over the ongoing STS 2-meter upgrade, insisting the program was free for its customers.

This came as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Wednesday warned the Distribution Companies, and DISCOs to cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.

EKEDC had earlier announced a deadline for customers to switch all meters to the STS-2 platform to continue recharging their meters.

Having noticed that some operatives requesting money from unsuspecting citizens for the upgrade, EKEDC has restated that the STS-2 meter upgrade is free, and as such no citizen should offer any financial gratification or other forms of gratification to anyone in the process of upgrading their meters to the STS-2 platform.

The publication of EKEDC reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous members of the society demanding payment for the STS – 2-meter upgrade process.

“We hereby inform our customers and the general public that the STS 2 meter upgrade is free and EKEDC would not make demands of anyone to pay for the upgrade.”

Meanwhile, the FCCPA in a statement obtained by Vanguard, tagged “Obsolete Meters”: Violation of Consumers Rights Will Have Stiff Consequences, called for a halt on such activities.

According to the statement, citing sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the FCCPA Act 2018, “ The FCCPC notes with concern recent rumors 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 statement signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, FCCPA, Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that, “Contrary to recent rumors, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by Ikeja Electric and EKEDC. The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.

“It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021)

“The order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated. Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.”

“Consumers are advised to contact the FCCPC on the Commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.