• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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NERC’s mass metering via MAP to close metering gap by 25%

Nerc Metering (1)

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission‘s (NERC) commencement of mass metering of electricity consumers beginning May 1 through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) initiative is expected‎ to close metering gap by 25 percent, industry analyst says.

Chuks Nwani, energy lawyer and power sector analyst, says the NERC has taken a bold initiative but the government needs to do more on metering consumers, re-set the tariff to enhance efficiency in the power sector value chain.

According to Nwani, “The government could source for a cheaper fund through the bond market and close the metering gap, while re-setting the tariff and ensuring consumers pay for the meter at a subsidised cost. Government can get cheaper funds than the private sector to support metering initiative thereby addressing liquidity concerns in the sector.”

Notably, the NERC will begin mass metering for electricity consumers by May 1, to bridge the metering gaps in the country.
Usman Arabi, NERC general manager, public affairs, in a statement says the metering will be executed under the MAP programme of the Federal Government.

“The commission issued permits to MAPs on April 5, in accordance with Section 4(3) of the MAP Regulations 2018, to MAPs that were successful in the procurements.

“The procurement was conducted by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company plc (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company plc (JEDC).
“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.

“AEDC has appointed Mojec International Limited, Meron Consortium and Turbo Engineering Limited to provide 487,000, 213,000 and 200,000 meters, while JEDC has appointed Triple 7 and Mojec International Limited consortium to provide 500,000 meters,” Arabi said.

According to Arabi, customers of AEDC and JEDC should expect meters to be installed in their premises within 10 working days of making payment to MAPs.

He said the payment and installation of the meters within the time frame were 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,’’ Arabi said

He said NERC shall monitor closely the rollout plan of distribution licensees and overall compliance with the regulation and various service agreements by the MAP and electricity distribution licensees.