The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a stern warning to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to expedite the migration of all customers to Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters. Failure to comply by January 1, 2025, will attract daily penalties for each meter not migrated.
The directive was announced during the Q4 NESI Stakeholders Meeting, where NERC emphasized that the transition to STS meters is crucial for modernizing the metering infrastructure and improving efficiency in billing and energy distribution. The Commission said that the responsibility to replace obsolete or faulty meters falls squarely on the DisCos operating within their respective franchises.
In line with the Customer Protection Regulation 2023, NERC clarified that DisCos are prohibited from charging customers for meter replacements. Furthermore, customers must not be subjected to estimated billing during the transition process.
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NERC’s directive comes at a time when many Nigerian consumers are grappling with unreliable metering systems and inconsistent power supply. The migration to STS prepaid meters is expected to address these challenges by ensuring accurate billing and reducing disputes between consumers and DisCos.
This ultimatum is seen as a decisive step by NERC to hold DisCos accountable and restore public confidence in the nation’s electricity supply framework. With penalties looming, DisCos are under intense pressure to fast-track the replacement and migration of outdated meters to meet the January 2025 deadline.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the DisCos to comply with NERC’s mandate and avoid punitive measures that could further strain the already volatile power sector. This development also highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and align with global standards.
