The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has accused distribution companies and customers of being indifferent to the meter upgrade announcement until the exercise elapsed on Sunday, November 24.
Despite several sensitisation efforts highlighting the importance of meter updates, most distribution companies appeared unconcerned, according to NERC.
The commission noted that failure to comply with the upgrade instructions before the deadline would pose various challenges to users.
According to NERC, unless there is a last-minute intervention, about three million electricity customers may face estimated billing or outright disconnection due to their failure to upgrade their prepaid meters.
Citing the nonchalant attitude of customers toward updating their meters despite 10 consecutive days of announcements, NERC stated that users would now be barred from recharging their meters.
NERC reiterated that the upgrade process is straightforward and free, stating: “Have you updated your meter yet? From November 24, 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter without updating. However, updating is easy and free.”
The commission also noted: “DisCos have already commenced the issuance of two free Key Change Tokens to update your meter.”
“The update will not affect the units in your meter, nor will it make your meter run faster than usual. Contact your DisCo for more information,” NERC added in a statement on its social media handles.
NERC described this behaviour as unpatriotic, stating that such attitudes reflect a lackadaisical approach to government policies, especially since the upgrade initiative started last year.
Investors King gathered that a consumer group estimated that half of the 5,993,340 metered customers would be caught in the web of this government policy.
In the wake of the NERC upgrade halt, numerous complaints have surfaced from customers who have yet to update their meters.
Some customers reported encountering technical glitches during the upgrade process, while others cited a lack of electricity as a barrier. Many also received feedback that their meters could not be updated and would need to be replaced.