03 September 2013, Lagos – As part of the efforts of the various stakeholders to bring to the Nigerian electricity consumers, a global brand of energy solution, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company or Ibadan Disco has formally launched its Credited Advanced Payment for Metering Implementation, CAPMI, programme in partnership with Paktim.
Speaking during the recent launch of the programme, which was led by the Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Disco, Mr. Bolaji Mofoluso Oyesiku, the Managing Director of Paktim Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ilofulunwa, noted all Paktim meters were manufactured to be smart by default, with the option to include extra functionalities as required.
He said Paktim manufactured smart meters with post-paid and/or pre-payment functionality, with upgradeable software.
Ilofulunwa said the advantage of having the smart meters with upgradeable software was to reduce the cost to the customer if the meters required an update to the firmware, adding that the beauty of it all was that all these works could be done remotely without tampering with the meters. He further stated Paktim would bridge the gap between the supply and demand in meter requirement in Nigeria.
“We are in a smart world now with electronic smart technology in vogue, so key into the Paktim Smart prepaid/postpaid meters manufactured to sooth your comfort, easy to operate with hand held device interface in the comfort of your room,” he said. Paktim is one of the leading manufacturers and solution providers in smart metering products and systems.
With more than 20 years’ experience in smart power solutions, Paktim brings together an experienced team of people, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partners to deliver world class products, systems, and services to the Distribution Network Operators in Nigeria. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, introduced CAPMI, which it dubbed customer-centered alternative few months after the regulatory agency discovered that majority of the electricity customers did not have prepaid meters.
With the introduction of CAPMI, customers are expected to get refunds for payments after meter installation in their homes via monthly reductions on the fixed charge element of their electricity bills over time.
The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, had at the commencement of CAPMI stated the programme was informed by customers’ desire to self-finance meter installations in the wake of delay by Discos in providing them with prepaid/smart meters.
– Ejiofor Alike, This Day
