So, your electricity company (aka your friendly neighbourhood DisCo) shows up to install a meter while your overbilling complaint is still being reviewed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), FCCPC, or one of those Forum Offices. You might wonder—does this shiny new meter mean your old complaint has magically disappeared?
Short answer: Nope. Not even close.
In fact, there was a case where the FCCPC told a DisCo to hold off on metering a whole community until they sorted out the billing mess first. Why? Because there was a legit concern that once the meters were installed, the DisCo might sneak old debts into the new meters like stowaways on a cruise ship.
Now, I get it—DisCos want to meter customers as soon as they can (especially when they finally get the funds to do it and the customers are on the unsubsidized Band A). It helps stop revenue loss and cuts down on all those “estimated” bills that somehow always estimate too high or too low. Moreover, NERC’s MAF Scheme mandates all Band A customers to be metered as soon as possible. But before rushing to slap a meter on every wall, here are a few things they (DisCos) need to consider:
1. Your Complaint Still Stands—Meter or No Meter
Even if a meter is installed, it doesn’t erase the past. Regulatory bodies can still review your complaint, dig into the evidence, and, if you’re right, order a refund or bill adjustment. In other words, your overbilling battle isn’t over just because there’s a meter humming on your wall.
2. New Meter, Fewer Headaches (Going Forward)
Sure, metering stops those wild estimated bills and makes charges more accurate going forward (finally, some peace of mind!). But don’t let that distract from resolving your old complaint. That money you were overbilled? You’re still entitled to get it back or at least get a proper adjustment.
3. The Watchdogs Are Watching
NERC’s 2023 Customer Protection Regulations and their rules on capping estimated bills mean that complaints must be addressed properly. If your claim is legit, you could be owed a refund, whether or not you’ve joined the metered elite.
4. DisCos Still Have Homework
DisCos can’t just slap on a meter and pretend the dispute never happened. They’re required to finish reconciling complaints before they try to recover any money tied to the billing issue. No shortcuts allowed.
Final Thoughts:
Getting a meter is great. It brings billing transparency, fewer surprises, and less drama. But don’t let it become a smokescreen. If you’ve got a valid complaint, make sure it’s documented and followed up with the right regulatory body. Regulators also need to stay sharp and ensure due process is followed.
So yes, meter away, but don’t skip the small matter of doing the right thing first.
