*Unistar Hi-Tech Meters Limited decries ‘inaccurate’ notices by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc, claiming the power company’s meters are incompatible with the STS 2.0 metering system in Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Following the electricity Distribution Companies’ (DisCos) recent claims about compatibility cum dysfunction of the company’s metering equipment, Unistar Hi-Tech Meters has clarified that its prepayment electricity meters utilising Card Meter Technology, are upgradeable and fully compatible with the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) Meter Technology currently employed in distribution networks.

Mr. Niyi Adewoye, Head of Communications at Unistar Hi-Tech Meters, noted this vi while addressing recent claims about the compatibility of the company鈥檚 meters in the Nigerian power ecosystem.

Adewoye contended that Unistar鈥檚 STS meters have encountered no issues with the TID rollover process.

The company’s Head of Communications also noted that the clarification is sequel to recent claims by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company, which advised customers on their networks in Lagos and parts of Ogun State to replace their existing Unistar prepayment meters by November 14, 2024, after which they would become dysfunctional.

According to the DisCos, electricity consumers using Unistar meters should apply for new ones via the company’s Web site.

Ikeja Electric and EKEDC as well announced that the current Unistar meters would no longer be able to vend energy units, effective from November 14, due to alleged incompatibility with the new STS 2.0 metering system.

DisCos’ notices to consumers inaccurate, misleading 鈹�Adewoye

Reacting to the announcements by the two DisCos and others power providers, Adewoye, Spokesperson characterised those notices from EKEDC, issued on October 11, 2024, and followed by a similar notice from Ikeja Electric two days later, as inaccurate and not reflective of the true situation.

Earlier, it is also noted that the two DisCos had advised power consumers to purchase new prepayment meters, claiming the existing units would be decommissioned and rendered non-functional after the stated date.

Unistar further explained that it operates two types of meters: the older Card Meter Technology and the more recent South African-based STS Technology.

While acknowledging that the Card Meter Technology is older, Adewoye asserted its reliability, stating that consumers have consistently validated its effectiveness with no reported issues.

Establishing the company鈥檚 stand on the functionality of its prepayment, Unistar鈥檚 spokesperson restated that ongoing upgrades to STS technology would not impact the functionality of Card Meter Technology produced by the firm.

鈥淥ur meters are upgradeable,鈥� the Adeoye noted.

Unistar further explained that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive to phase out any specific type of meters or metering technology.

The company reaffirmed its dedication to providing high-quality meters that comply with Nigerian Metering Codes.

鈥淥ur meters have been in use in Nigeria for nearly 20 years, and we have consistently supported electricity distribution networks by delivering essential services throughout this period,鈥� Unistar stated.

The Federal Government had previously declared that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) must replace any meter that is phased out due to upgrades.

NERC confirmed this position, noting that while there is no directive to phase out Unistar meters, they may soon become inoperable due to technological upgrades, leading to an inability for users to vend energy.

Musiliu Oseni, NERC Chairman, in a recent statement, emphasised that no official directive exists regarding the phase-out of Unistar meters.

He clarified that the authority to phase out such meters lies with the DisCos using them, while the Federal Government is responsible for protecting the interests of consumers.

Oseni assured electricity consumers that they will not be required to pay for new meters when the old ones are eventually phased out.

The cost of replacement should be covered by the DisCos.

He outlined that for DisCos to retire prepaid meters, a mechanism for replacement must be established, whether through vendor financing, DisCo financing, or funding by a Meter Asset Provider, with the understanding that customers would be refunded.

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