AEDC to commence rollout of pre-paid meters May 1 – NERC
...says installation must be completed within 10 working days after payment
Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja
Customers under the coverage areas of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc (JEDC), has breathed a sigh of relief, following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive for the commencement of rollout of pre-paid meters from May 1, 2019.
Even as it issued permits to Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) who were successful in the procurements conducted by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc (JEDC) in accordance with section 4(3) of the MAP Regulations 2018.
The Commission, during the weekend also instructed MAPS to ensure that upon commencement of the rollout, meters are installed for customers of AEDC and JEDC in their premises within 10 working days of making payment.
Section 4(3) of the MAP Regulation 2018 requires all electricity distribution licensees to engage MAPs that would assist, as investors, in closing the metering gap and thus eliminating the practice of estimated billing in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
NERC disclosed that AEDC has appointed Mojec International Limited, Meron Consortium and Turbo Engineering Limited to provide 487,000, 213,000 and 200,000 meters respectively while JEDC appointed the Triple 7 and Mojec International Limited consortium to provide 500,000 meters.
“The Commission has directed that the rollout of meters shall commence no later than the 1st of May 2019. Customers of AEDC and JEDC should expect from the commencement of rollout date for meters to be installed in their premises within 10 working days of making payment to MAPs in accordance with section 18 (3) of the MAP Regulations 2018.
“MAPs shall charge a maximum of N36,991.50 for single phase meters and N67,055.85 for three phase meters. These costs are inclusive of supply, installation, maintenance and replacement of meters over its technical life.”
However, the Commission stressed that it will closely monitor the rollout plan of the distribution licensees and overall compliance with the regulation and various service agreements by the MAP and electricity distribution licensees.
