The Federal Government has directed electricity companies to refund Nigerians who purchased meters with the electricity Distributing companies(DISCO).
According to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), electricity Distributing Companies (DISCOS) must make refunds to customers who purchased meters.
Discos have been swamped with meter demand from non-metered clients; as a result, homes are seizing the bull by the horns and purchasing meters without waiting for provision from the Discos.
Nigerians to get a refund
Taking to its official Twitter account to address consumers’ concerns FCCPC, said while Nigerians can purchase meters using the MAP Framework, they must be refunded.
It wrote:
“However, DISCOs are responsible for refunding or compensating customers who paid in advance for the meters. The cost of the meter is to be reimbursed in 36 equal monthly payments using consumer-purchased energy credits.”
The government agency further stated that consumers shouldn’t take up the responsibility of providing transformers, poles or other electrical equipment, nor should they repair faulty transformers.
“Electricity Consumer Right/Responsibility: It is not the responsibility of the customer or the community to purchase, replace or repair transformers, poles or other associated equipment used in the distribution of electricity”
Although the commission suggested that consumers and Discos can enter into an agreement, which would temporarily pass the responsibility of providing transformer and other Electricity equipment to the users.
“Faulty transformers are supposed to be replaced by the Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) within forty-eight hours of the official complaint being made. The Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) is responsible for such replacements or repairs.
“However, if the Electricity Distribution Company (DisCo) is unable to speedily replace the faulty transformer, residents may go into discussions with the company and agree on the terms of the replacement of the affected transformer if they so wish to assume the responsibility of the company
