Abuja – The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, says it will, under the current National Mass Metering Programme, NMMP, receive a total of 900,000 meters, at the cost of 23 billion, which will be sufficient to meter all customers in its areas of coverage, including replacement of defective meters.
Managing Director of AEDC, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, disclosed this, saying the company will commence installation with 101,000 free meters that would be installed for its customers between now and December 2021.
He said: “Currently, with the flag-off of this National Free Mass Programme, AEDC will receive a total of 900,000 meters, at the cost of 23 billion 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 N6 billion without charging customers. The rest of the meters will be installed 18 months after, through a comprehensive role out programme that will result in simultaneous installations in all three states of Niger, Kogi and Nassarawa in addition to FCT”.
He added: “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 channelled into service improvement.
“Improved Services will support improved economic activities that will impact both informal and formal sectors. This will lead to electricity industry transformation along with numerous spill over effect to the economy.
“On this note, I wish to 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 continued: “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.
“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.“
