By Adedapo Adesanya
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said it has commenced the distribution of smart electricity meters to its customers.
The scheme was simultaneously launched in Kano, Kaduna, Ikeja and the EKEDC franchise areas.
In a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, EKEDC, Mr Godwin Idemudia, the Disco kick-started the distribution of its electricity meters at the Surulere axis, one of the areas within its distribution network in Lagos.
Mr Idemudia said the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) was in fulfilment of the federal government’s and the Discos’ commitments to close the metering gap in the country and enhance the revenue collection of the distribution companies.
He said under the new arrangement distribution companies are expected to go from location to location with their respective Meter Asset Providers (MAP) to provide and install meters for their customers.
Eko Electricity is expected to roll-out over 100,000 meters in the first phase of the programme from the locally manufactured companies such as Mojec International Limited and Momas Meter manufacturing company.
Mr Idemudia disclosed that the NMMP would increase Nigeria’s metering rate, eliminate estimated billing and strengthen the local meter value chain by increasing local meter manufacturing, assembly and deployment capacity.
He added that the initiative would also reduce collection losses, increase financial flows to achieve 100 per cent market remittance obligations of the Discos and support Nigeria’s economic recovery by creating jobs in the local meter value chain whilst also ensuring customers only pay the exact value for their energy consumption.
He revealed that key stakeholders to monitor the launch of the meter distribution include Lagos State Government representatives, the Senate Committee and House of Representative Chairmen on Power as well as representatives of Organized Labour and Civil Society Organisations.
The National Mass Metering Programme is expected to roll out 6 million meters for all connection points on the grid without meters over the next 18 to 24 months and estimated to impact over 30 million consumers nationwide.
Modupe Gbadeyanka