Pre-paid meters: NERC issues additional permit to 4 Discos

Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja

In a bid to close the metering gap thus eliminating the practice of estimated billing in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Nigerian Electricity Regulations Commission (NREC), has announced the issuance of four additional permits to Discos so as to provide meters within their respective franchise under Meter Asset Providers (MAP).

In a statement signed by General Manager, Public Affairs Department, Dr Usman Arabi, the Discos issued the permits include Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc.

Arabi disclosed that MAPs that were successful in the procurements conducted by the four Discos includes; Armese Consulting Ltd and Holley Metering Ltd, YEDC has Chris Ejik International Agencies Ltd for PHED and for EEDC, Mojec International Ltd, while IBEDC appointed CWG Plc, Integrated Resources Ltd, Mojec International Ltd, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd, New Hampshire Capital Ltd, Protogy Global Services Ltd and Tinuten Nigeria Ltd respectively to provide meters within their respective franchise under MAP.

“The Commission has issued permits to Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc, & Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Disco’s Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), in accordance with section 4(3) of the MAP Regulations- NERC- R-112 of 2018, to MAPs that were successful in the procurements conducted by Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (“PHED”), Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc (“YEDC”), Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (“EEDC”) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (“IBEDC”).

“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”).

He noted that the Commission has directed that the rollout of meters should commence no later than the 1st of May 2019 and customers of Disco’s 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 an upfront amount of N36, 991.50 for single phase meters and N67, 055.85 for three phase meters respectively.

These costs of meters are inclusive of supply, installation, maintenance and replacement of meters over its technical life.”