Electricity: Over 1m consumers supplied with prepaid meters — Regulator
By Eyo Nsima
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has disclosed that 1,092,399 customers have been provided with prepaid meters, under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme and the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
Responding to the All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum (AECPF), freedom of information (FOI) letter, the commission, in a letter signed by Ada Ozoemena, who is the commission’s secretary, disclosed that 508,439 customers have been metered under the MAP scheme of the federal government.
Specifically, the agency noted that 583,960 meters had been distributed under the MAP scheme, adding that 5,855 customers who had paid for prepaid meters were yet to get their meters.
The Meters Asset Providers, MAPs, had petitioned the Federal Government, last month, over some problems, including, fixed meter pricing, unavailability of foreign exchange and Customs clearing bottlenecks.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting, June 17, 2021, obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, MAPs, had stated: “An upward review of the current price of prepaid meter by NERC in view of rising inflation, continued upward movement of foreign exchange rates, associated increases in customs costs, increase in container freight costs, and the disruptions in the international supply chain, leading to a global increase in the prices of raw materials and components for the manufacture of prepaid meters.
“MAPs, however, note that there will be a corresponding downward review of meter prices when there is a downward movement in foreign exchange rates and other cost factors.
‘’The CBN should guarantee access to foreign exchange to Local Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers for the procurement of parts and accessories (Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) parts) including equipment for meter manufacturing/production as well as expansion of factory infrastructure.”
MAPs also, added: “The Nigerian Customs Services (Customs) should be encouraged to create dedicated desks/teams at the various ports to fast track the clearing of prepaid meters and components from the ports to improve on delivery timelines. Further, it is crucial that Fed Min of Finance and Customs harmonize and provide clarity on HS codes for uniform assessment as relates to meters, meters parts, components and accessories.”
