… decries notices from EKEDC, Ikeja Electric regarding meter compatibility
Oredola Adeola
Unistar Hi-Tech Meters has clarified that its prepaid meters, utilizing 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, made this clarification in a statement addressing recent claims about the compatibility of the company’s meters.
According to him, Unistar’s STS meters have encountered no issues with the TID rollover process.
He noted that the clarification follows recent claims by Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Company, which advised customers in Lagos and parts of Ogun State to replace their existing Unistar prepaid meters.
Adewoye, in the statement further announced that customers using Unistar meters should apply for new ones via their websites, stating that the current meters would no longer be able to vend energy units starting November 14, 2024, due to incompatibility with the new STS 2.0 metering system.
Unistar’s spokesperson characterized 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.
Advisors Reports indicated that the two DisCos have advised consumers to purchase new meters, claiming the existing units will be decommissioned and rendered non-functional after the stated date.
Unistar 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.
Unistar’s spokesperson reiterated that ongoing upgrades to STS technology do not impact the functionality of Card Meter Technology.
“Our meters are upgradeable,” 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.
“Our 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,” 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, emphasized 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.
