07 March 2016, Enugu – In response to overwhelming customer demand for pre-payment meters (PPM), the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced the implementation of the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme.
CAPMI was initiated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to address the slow pace of customer metering by the 11 distribution companies, as well as the high level of complaints received from customers and dissatisfaction with estimated billing practices.
The scheme provides a platform for willing customers to pay the cost of the meter into a dedicated account jointly managed by the DISCO and meter vendor/installer and once payment has been effected, the customer will have his meter installed within 45 days.
EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Eze, said in a statement yesterday that the scheme would provide customers the option of advancing funds to the company to accelerate the purchase and installation of their smart meters within 45 days.
According to him, EEDC is currently offering two types of meters – single phase smart meter with split unit, and 3-Phase smart meter with split unit, adding that the costs are inclusive of installation cost.
“The cost of acquiring the meter and meter box for the single phase and three-phase will be paid back to the customers in form of energy recharge, over a period of 36 months, at 12 per cent interest rate. However, customers are expected to vend at least once a month, while energy (pay back) will be credited monthly,” he explained.
Eze added that after adequate assessment of the customer’s premises, the engineers would determine the appropriate meter to be installed for the customers.
He also stated that payments for the meter would be through bank draft or cash deposit into a designated bank, adding that online payments and transfers are not acceptable.
Eze further stated that no additional payment should be made to EEDC or any of its staff for the acquisition and installation of the meters.
“EEDC remains passionate about improving electricity supply to its customers, metering them and addressing their complaints and other power needs. Customers are therefore encouraged to reciprocate by paying their bills on time, avoiding meter tampering and by-pass, and protecting our installations from vandalism,” Eze added.
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