NERC to force Discos to work with independent meter providers for policy survival
Having observed that power distribution companies (Discos) are reluctant to welcome the new metering policy direction, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the 11 power distribution companies to immediately begin the engagement of the services of the recently approved independent Meter Asset Providers (MAPs).
Otherwise, analysts say without such move by the regulator, Discos may not look the way of the MAPs as Discos in reality enjoy more in ripping off Nigerians with estimated billing system than use of prepaid meters.
The new drive is to effectively bridge the over 4.74 million metering gap in the country and further end the rip-offs once and for all.
However, a time frame for resumption of forced partnership with MAPs has been set by NERC from April 3, when the 2018 Meter Asset Provider Regulation becomes effective, power distributors were expected to engage the services of the MAPs within 120 days.
The regulator also made it clear that with MAPs in place, power consumers would have to pay for the meters to be provided on delivery.
In an interview, the Chairman, National Electricity Consumers Advocacy Network (NECAN) , Tomi Akingbogun, said “The truth is that the tariff that we currently pay already contains a cost element for a meter that is believed to have been given to the customer free of charge. But you and I know that many customers cannot even get meters, not to talk of accessing it free of charge. But with this regulation, that charge is going to be removed from the tariff and shifted to the MAPs”.
A lot of power consumers in Lagos who spoke to our correspondents expressed their eagerness’ to meet MAPs operators to get their prepaid meters and be saved from monthly rip-off via estimated billing by Discos.
