**Advises Customers on Registration Process
By Adedapo Adesanya
Residents of Ikeja, Akowonjo, and Oshodi Business Units are next in line to benefit from the next phase of the Federal Government’s Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme which seeks to provide electric meters to consumers who are unaccounted for.
The MAP scheme is aimed at bridging the metering gap using third-party companies identified as Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to procure and install meters for electricity consumers under this scheme.
Top electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc, had previously rolled out the first phase of the scheme in July exclusively to the inhabitants in Ikorodu, Abule-Egba and Shomolu Business Units areas of Lagos State.
Unmetered consumers in the state capital of Ikeja, Akowonjo, and Oshodi axis of the state will also be able to get their meters as the distribution of the device commenced at the beginning of this month.
This disclosure was made at a Consumers Engagement forum hosted by Ikeja Electric in collaboration with one of its MAPs, Mojec Metering Asset Company held in Gbagada, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan, disclosed that the company was committed to utilizing the opportunities provided by the MAP scheme to close the metering gap across its network and also remove estimated billing.
“The scheme will ensure accelerated meter deployment to unmetered customers, totally eliminating every form of controversy regarding the accuracy of electricity bills. We have taken concrete actions in terms of planning and manpower deployment for adequate metering” she said.
The COO also pointed out that the company has set up a debt resolution panel in its six Business Units to address disputed outstanding bills and ensure reconciliation. She also stated that customers must always pay into the designated bank account provided on the online MAP Portal and always quote their Application Reference Number (ARN) when making any payment.
She advised new customers to visit the nearest Ikeja Electric office for account creation and set up, to enable them start their registration for meter. As part of the registration process, customers will be required to provide a valid email address and telephone number as they will be contacted through the information provided. She urged customers to always ensure that they provide accurate data during the registration process.
In her contributing remark, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOJEC Meter Asset Company, Ms Chantelle Abdul, stated that her company has adequate meters in stock for the MAP scheme.
According to her, the single-phase meter costs N38,850, while the three-phase meter costs N70,350, both inclusive of VAT.
She further revealed that all processes have been put in place including bank loans for customers who cannot afford to pay for the meter outrightly.
Unmetered customers can register through the Ikeja Electric (IE) website map.ikejaelectric.com using their Ikeja Electric’s account number on the bill to update their KYC (Know Your Customer) details after which a survey will be carried out to determine the type of meter that will be suitable for their premises.
Modupe Gbadeyanka