Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) today disclosed that plans have been concluded to receive a total of 900,000 meters, at the cost of N23billion which would be sufficient to meter all customers including replacement of defective meters.
AEDC also hinted that it would install over 101,000 meters at a cost of N6billion between now and December 2021 without charging customers.
The Managing Director/CEO, AEDC,
Dr. Ernest Mupwaya made the disclosure at the official Flag-off of the National Free Mass Metering Program at Gaduwa Estate, Apo, Abuja.
Engr. Mupwaya said, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) who
has 40% shareholding, have sourced sufficient funding to support discos through a low interest shareholder loan that would make it possible for Discos to receive sufficient meters to close the metering gap for good.
The AEDC boss said, “over the years, the company has embarked on various metering initiatives such as CAPMI and MAP. These programs have achieved some successes that resulted metering of over 300,000 customers.”
He said, “currently, with the flag-off of this National Free Mass Program, AEDC will receive a total of 900,000 meters, at the cost of N23billion which will be sufficient to meter all customers including replacement of defective meters. Between now and December 2021 AEDC has planned to install over 101,000 meters at a cost of N6billion without charging customers.”
Mupwaya said, the rest of the meters would be installed 18 months after, through a comprehensive role out program that would result in simultaneous installations in all three states of Niger, Kogi and Nassarawa in addition to FCT.
He noted that the metering of customers have a huge positive implication not only to the electricity industry but to the entire economy in a number of ways.
“Firstly, massive metering will create jobs through installation and inspections of
meters after installations.
“Secondly, other jobs will be created in meter manufacturing, logistics and supply chains associated with making meters available in Nigeria.
“Thirdly, massive metering will improve the transparency in electricity transaction which will result in increased revenues that can be channeled into service improvement,” he said.
The MD said, improved services would support improved economic activities that would impact both informal and formal sectors.
This, according to him, would lead to electricity industry transformation along with numerous spillover effect to the economy.
He therefore, appeal to customers to accept the meters and resist any attempt by unscrupulous people who may approach them, with an offer to compromise the meters.
He said, the regulator NERC has put in place punitive penalties for those caught bypassing the meter to the extent that the fines override the perceived benefit apart from damaging the good working relationship with the discos.
He said, “energy theft also diverts resources which are meant to improve the service being provided. We believe that we can work together in ensuring that the metering challenge is brought to permanent end as we face a new dawn.
“However I want to acknowledge that the majority of our customers are law
abiding citizens and they have been supporting us through the difficulties
associated with transactions through estimated billing. I pay tribute to our
customers as we cut the corner and face a new dawn in electricity transformation,” he said.
In his remarks on behalf of the Gaduwa Estate Residents, the pioneer Director General of Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Dr. Tom Adaba said electricity was central to the development of the country, therefore, urged all and sundry to support the company and government’s efforts towards improved electricity supply for all.
He advised the generation, transmission and distribution companies to work together for effective service delivery.
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