Ikeja Electric, one of Nigeria’s major electricity distribution companies, has recently introduced new prices for its prepaid electricity meters, triggering strong reactions from its customers. This price hike, announced on Ikeja Electric’s official social media account, has been met with widespread criticism and concern over the rising cost of energy access amid Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape.
In the revised meter prices, Single Phase Meter now costs N135,987.50, a significant increase from previous rates, while Three Phase Meter is now pegged at N226,825.00, reflecting a similar upward trend.
These new prices, which include VAT, have been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Ikeja Electric has cited economic factors, such as foreign exchange volatility and inflation, as primary reasons for the adjustment.
Consumer Reactions and Social Media Outcry
The response from Ikeja Electric’s customer base has been polarized. On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, users have shared a mix of frustration and disapproval:
Omo Yea questioned the ownership structure, saying, “Consumers buy meters with their money, yet it’s claimed to be Disco’s property. Why collect money from us if it’s not ours?”
-Kenny pointed out the inconsistency in maintenance fees, remarking, “When the transformer in your area has issues, they ask for money for repairs. It’s a shame.”
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SammerX147 echoed similar concerns, saying, “Even the street transformer we bought with our own money is still considered government property.”
Another user shared a recent FCCPC (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) press statement, highlighting the regulator’s stance on consumer rights and the expectation for DisCos to provide meters at no cost. This statement by the FCCPC has added fuel to the fire, with customers demanding more transparency and accountability from Ikeja Electric.
The FCCPC has taken note of consumer dissatisfaction, and in a recent meeting attended by key stakeholders, the commission directed Ikeja Electric and other DisCos to comply with NERC’s regulations on metering. The FCCPC instructed that:L; Meter replacement costs should be borne by the DisCos and not consumers. All metering practices must adhere strictly to guidelines to prevent exploitation through estimated billing.
FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasized the importance of customer engagement and called for accountability, expressing concern over cases where consumers were asked to replace faulty meters at their own expense.
This meter price hike is part of a broader trend as Nigerian DisCos struggle with increased operational expenses due to inflation and the devaluation of the Naira. However, consumers are demanding that these price increments reflect improved service quality and reliability, a sentiment frequently voiced across social platforms.
The FCCPC and NERC’s stance aligns with the rights of Nigerian consumers to affordable and transparent access to electricity. As the regulatory bodies collaborate to ensure consumer protection, Ikeja Electric faces mounting pressure to balance business sustainability with fair and ethical practices.
The new pricing announcement has drawn attention to the critical issues in Nigeria’s energy sector. The call from regulatory bodies for greater transparency and accountability could signal a shift towards consumer-centric reforms. However, whether Ikeja Electric and other DisCos will fully comply with these directives remains to be seen, as customers wait eagerly for clarity and improved service delivery.
