PAF Welcomes FCCPC and NERC Intervention on the Planned Phase Out of Unistar Meters by DISCOS**

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The Patriotism Awareness Forum (PAF) has commended the timely intervention of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) concerning the proposed plan by electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) to phase out Unistar electric meters by November 14, 2024.

PAF acknowledges the prompt actions of both federal agencies, which have alleviated the fears and anxieties of millions of Nigerians, sparked by what the group describes as a rash, thoughtless, and inhumane decision by the DISCOS. This intervention, the group notes, is a clear indication of President Bola Tinubu's administration's unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens from exploitation by business entities.

In a statement issued in Lagos, signed by the Convener, Nelson Ekujumi, and Co-Convener, Peter Claver Oparah, PAF emphasized the importance of the intervention by NERC and FCCPC, which have brought a sense of relief to Nigerians, many of whom were unsettled by the sudden nature of the DISCOS' decision. PAF cautioned the DISCOS to desist from actions that could further inflame the already tense situation in Nigeria by implementing policies likely to provoke widespread discontent.

"We note that NERC, through its Vice Chairman, Musliu Oseni, countered the hasty notice from the DISCOS, clarifying that no official directive had been issued for the phasing out of Unistar meters. While acknowledging that the meters will eventually be phased out, he made it unequivocally clear that the DISCOS are obligated to replace these meters at no cost to consumers. Additionally, he stated that under no circumstances should any customer be subjected to estimated billing or denied access to electricity during this transition period," the statement read.

PAF further lauded the FCCPC's intervention under the leadership of Mr. Tunji Bello, as articulated by the Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication, Ondaje Ijagwu. In his recent statement, he affirmed that the costs of replacing Unistar meters should not be transferred to consumers. DISCOS are required to replace these meters without imposing any financial burden on customers. He also cautioned that consumers should not, under any circumstances, be subjected to estimated billing, declaring, "We (FCCPC) cannot allow consumers to be unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing. This would be a violation of existing regulations."

PAF expressed its gratitude to both NERC and FCCPC for fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and protecting Nigerians from the arbitrary and harsh decisions of the DISCOS. The group condemned the threat by DISCOS to subject consumers, who cannot afford new meters by the deadline, to the corrupt and retrogressive practice of estimated billing. PAF described this approach as callous, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing the country.

"We are grateful to both NERC and FCCPC for standing up for Nigerian consumers by insisting that, under no circumstances, should any consumer be placed on estimated billing or denied access to electricity due to the phasing out of Unistar meters. We would like to remind the DISCOS that electricity meters are their property, and as such, they are obliged to replace them without passing the cost on to consumers," PAF stated.

The group urged the DISCOS to undertake the replacement of Unistar meters in a seamless and orderly manner, without issuing unnecessary deadlines or notices to consumers. "This is how it ought to be," PAF declared.

In conclusion, PAF once again commended the swift and patriotic intervention of NERC and FCCPC, viewing this as a testament to the President Tinubu administration's responsive and responsible commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. PAF also urged both agencies to ensure that DISCOS fully comply with the directives, thereby sparing Nigerians from further exploitation and hardship during this difficult economic period.